Classical Busts Return to Stowe House’s North Hall After 200 Years

Stowe House is celebrating the completed restoration of its grand North Hall — a spectacular reception room first designed in the 1730s by William Kent. As the final touch to a six-year, £75,000 restoration, nine classical busts have been installed, reinstating the Hall’s original splendour for visitors to enjoy for the first time in over two centuries.

Stowe House has completed the final phase of its six-year North Hall restoration with the installation of nine newly commissioned busts, recreating the room’s classical grandeur for the first time since the 19th century.

The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of two former pupils (Old Stoics), whose support allowed the Stowe House Preservation Trust to commission specialist conservation teams to recreate the missing sculptures.

Each bust — representing Roman emperors, notable figures from antiquity, and the goddess Juno — was carefully researched to ensure historical accuracy. Working from surviving examples in collections across the UK, the conservation teams used a combination of 3D scanning, scaled printing, and traditional casting to recreate each piece in stunning detail. The final finishes were hand-applied to mimic antique marble and bronze, ensuring the busts blend seamlessly with the Hall’s authentic 18th-century style.

René Rice of Cliveden Conservation said:
“It has been a pleasure to work with Stowe Preservation Trust on recreating these busts. Seeing them back in place completes the North Hall’s decorative scheme and restores a key part of Stowe’s history.”

The busts are now on display to visitors during Stowe House’s open days and guided tours, marking the triumphant conclusion of a major restoration project that has brought the Hall back to its former glory.

Dive Into the Detail

We’ve detailed the process of how the nine new busts have been made with the help of expert contractors and researchers. Our visual article acts as a timeline, showing you the stages from beginning to end, meaning you can take a deeper dive into the project. Let us introduce you to our new sculptures, this way.

Homer, Empress Salonina & Caracalla are being painted with an alabaster and red Jasper effect ©Chroma Conservation