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V&a - Henry Cole
Building Façade Conservation
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The Henry Cole Wing of the Victoria & Albert Museum, built between 1868 and 1873, stands as a testament to the Victorian passion for art, design, and architectural experimentation. Designed in a Renaissance style and adorned with richly modelled Minton Majolica ornamentation, its façades of red brick and buff terracotta form one of the museum’s most distinctive elevations. As the V&A prepared for the Exhibition Road landscaping scheme, the Wing required a sensitive programme of façade cleaning and conservation, one that respected the complexity of its materials and the artistry of its original makers.
Client
Victoria & Albert Museum
Dates
2010
—
2011
Location
London
Grade listing
Grade II*
Fabric
Terracotta
Brick
Understanding Terracotta: A Material of Beauty and Challenge
Terracotta is both resilient and delicate, and its conservation demands a deep understanding of its behaviour. The Henry Cole Wing presented exactly this challenge. Decades of London pollution had settled into the surface, dulling the crispness of the modelling and obscuring the warmth of the clay. DBR approached the project through extensive trials and exemplars, guided by conservation specialist Nicola Ashurst. These trials were essential in determining how to clean the terracotta safely, evenly, and without altering its surface.
A Bespoke Cleaning Solution, Crafted for the V&A
To achieve the required level of precision, DBR collaborated with a specialist manufacturer of historic‑fabric cleaning gels and poultices. Together, they developed a bespoke poultice designed to sit evenly across the terracotta’s intricate surfaces, ensuring consistent cleaning without streaking or abrasion. The final cleaning methodology combined steam cleaning, the specially formulated poultices with short dwell times, and meticulous hand cleaning by experienced conservators. Each technique played a role in lifting away accumulated grime while preserving the terracotta’s original texture and colour.
Repairing What Time Had Altered
Cleaning was only the first step. The project also required careful terracotta repairs, including the use of replacement units where damage was too severe to conserve. Localised areas were rebuilt using blended mortar repairs, colour‑matched and textured to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding fabric. These interventions restored the façade’s structural integrity while maintaining the authenticity of its historic appearance.
The conservation of the Henry Cole Wing revived its Renaissance‑inspired architecture and vibrant Minton Majolica ornament. Through innovation, collaboration, and skilled craftsmanship, DBR prepared this key part of the V&A for its renewed Exhibition Road setting, celebrating Victorian design and demonstrating how modern conservation can honour and protect the past.
