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.

What is the project?

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. 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.

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.

placeholder image — The North Hall at Stowe House.

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 House 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.

Of the nine new busts you can see Tiberius left, Nero right and Caracalla top right.

Support the work of Stowe House Preservation Trust

We’re an independent charity dedicated to restoring and caring for this extraordinary piece of Britain’s heritage. If you’d like to help preserve Stowe House for future generations, please consider making a one-off or monthly donation.

You can also donate in celebration or in memory of a loved one or even pledge to leave a gift in your will — every contribution makes a real difference.

To find out more and read a detailed visual article explaining the project, visit www.stowehouse.org.