Europa Nostra UK Webinar: Exploring the Elizabeth Tower – Big Ben

On 12 November, Europa Nostra UK  hosts a webinar showcasing the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, a 2026 Europa Nostra Award Winner for Conservation and Adaptive Reuse.

 

The Elizabeth Tower has recently undergone its most extensive conservation project in 160 years, led by Purcell. The centrepiece of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Westminster, the tower had areas of internal water damage and stone and metalwork in urgent need of conservation and repair. Using a specially designed 100-metre-high scaffold, a team of specialist stonemasons repaired or replaced damaged stone with many new carvings matching the original detail. Historic paint analysis allowed the reinstatement of the spectacular original colour scheme of Prussian blue and gold decoration on the clock face. The clock mechanism itself was dismantled and refurbished.

The Tower, designed by Sir Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, is restored to its original glory while inside, the building has been completely reserviced with access improvements, plaster repairs and redecoration in breathable paint systems.

Join Andrew Dobson, Partner and Project Architect from Purcell, for an in depth, behind the scenes exploration of this remarkable restoration. You’ll hear how the most famous clock tower in the world has been preserved for future generations, and how cutting-edge digital recording of the work has created a blueprint for future maintenance.

Date and time: Thursday 12 November, from 17:30 to 18:30 UK time

How to join: Please email Joanna Karmowska on p0075161@brookes.ac.uk, and she will send you a Zoom link.

More information on the Europa Nostra UK website