Conservation of the Poynter Room grill

Home to a trio of refreshment rooms, the V&A was the first museum in the world to have a public restaurant. Inside one of these – the Poynter Room – is an ornately decorated cast iron and brass grill, designed by Sir Edward Poynter in 1866.

Join Senior Curator Alicia Robinson and Senior Metals Conservator Donna Stevens as they undertake a conservation project to recreate the magnificence of the metalwork. Firstly they examine the details depicting Tudor roses, eagles, and Japanese-inspired suns and waves, before brushing off loose dust, applying solution to areas of rust, and finally waxing and buffing the grill to return its shine.

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See the original design sketches by Sir Edward Poynter:

Black sketch of the front of an ornately decorated grill, on white paper
Design for an Iron Grill, South Kensington Museum, by Sir Edward John Poynter, 1866, England. Museum no. E.5280-1919. Museum no. E.5280-1919. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Design of black and white wave shapes
Design for metalwork decoration for fireplace in V&A Grill Room, by Sir Edward John Poynter, 1866, England. Museum no. E.5283-1919. Museum no. E.5283-1919. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Half-sun surrounded by waves design in black pen on white paper
Design for metalwork decoration for fireplace in V&A Grill Room, by Sir Edward John Poynter, 1866, England. Museum no. E.5282-1919. Museum no. E.5282-1919. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
(Left to Right:) Design for an Iron Grill, South Kensington Museum, designed by Poynter, Edward John (Sir), 1866, Great Britain; Design for metalwork decoration for fireplace in V&A Grill Room, designed by Poynter, Edward John (Sir), 1866, Great Britain; Design for metalwork decoration for fireplace in V&A Grill Room, designed by Poynter, Edward John (Sir), 1866, Great Britain

Find more conservation videos in our YouTube playlist.

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