Madam Tussauds, London

Client: Merlin Attractions Operation

Contractor: Barwin

Products Supplied: Beeck's Silicate Masonry Paint

Commissioned in 1884 by Madame Tussaud's grandson (Joseph Randall), this landmark building contains offices and workshops on the upper floors and exhibition and retail units on the ground floor fronting Marylebone Road.

Experts in building façade restoration, decorating and specialist cleaning company, Barwin, undertook the refurbishment of this building with the aid and support of the Madame Tussauds in-house maintenance team, which included specialist decoration and cleaning, paint stripping and brick/stone repairs, roofing and internal repairs.

The scope of works:

Phase one: external restoration of the front façade.

Phase two: roofing repairs to stop historical leaks in the building and improve the longevity of the roofs.

Phase three: new store room – joinery, plumbing, stud walls, new ceilings and fireproofing works.

Phase four: internal works in the Glitterball area. Redesign of the main display area including structural repair works to ceiling, stud walls, decorating, false flooring and fireproofing.

Madame Tussauds remained open for business during the works. The Victorian façade is comprised primarily of brickwork with stucco dressings and mouldings.