RA250 stories: Look up! The six-metre ceiling painting back at the RA

Behind the scenes

Published 27 October 2017

Before we unveil the New RA for our 250th anniversary in 2018, we’re restoring some of the original features of our 18th-century home on Piccadilly. This video shows the reinstallation of a vast ceiling painting by William Kent.

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    The Saloon at Burlington House originally held a huge ceiling painting by William Kent, entitled Banquet of the Gods.

    In this video, narrated by RA Senior Curator Helen Valentine and Jonathan Berry of Bush and Berry Conservation Studio, the painting is carefully reinstalled into the ceiling, in an important step towards recreating the room’s 18th-century splendour.

    Video: Warm Films.

  • The RA250 Stories video series goes behind the scenes to reveal the ideas and people behind the transformation of the Royal Academy ahead of our 250th anniversary in 2018. Watch earlier episodes here. This video series is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

    Visit the RA250 page for more information about the plans for our 250th anniversary in 2018.