Updated Decoration for The Music Room at The British Academy
31 October 2025
Decorated in the style of Louis XVI, the beautiful Music Room at The British Academy required extensive internal redecoration work. Bagnalls was honoured to be appointed as the painting and decorating company of choice, following on from various successful internal and external projects for The British Academy.
The Music Room’s elegant décor dates back to around 1900, when Arthur Guinness and his family held residence there. The room’s name is derived from the representation of musical instruments in its ornamental plasterwork and is very popular as a wedding venue.
Our team was tasked with refreshing the paintwork on all walls, ceilings and woodwork throughout the main room and within the adjoining bar. We were also asked to restore the stunning parquet flooring that runs throughout the room.
Bagnalls’ partner, AkzoNobel: Dulux, created scheme mock-ups and provided colour palette options within their Heritage range for The British Academy to choose from. Eventually, a warm, three-colour cream palette was chosen, both for its similarity to the original colour scheme, as well as its ability to highlight the plasterwork features on every wall.
The project was expected to take place over three weeks. However, an unforeseen venue booking meant Bagnalls had to adjust our planned schedule and rapidly complete the flooring phase within just seven days.
The team returned four weeks later to complete the redecoration within a window of just two weeks. Our Contracts team was able to accommodate this late change to the redecoration programme and still complete the whole project to exacting high standards within the summer period.
The British Academy praised our Contract Manager’s ongoing communication, as well as our flexibility as a specialist painting and decorating contractor. Our valued customer also recognised our highly organised approach and the positive behaviour of our team while on site.
If you have a restoration or historic property project you would like our assistance with, get in touch today on 01274 714 800 or find your local branch.