Tower Bridge
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Transcript of Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge
Paint Analysis 2009
Bascules opening1960s
Bridge was designedby Horace Jones and
John Wolfe Barry
Opened by the
Tower Bridge
Opened by thePrince of Wales
on 30th June 1894
It is currently undergoing a major restoration. Part of thishas involved the removal of all earlier layers of paint in
order to ensure the complete adherence of the new paint.
Restoration
It was important to record the decorative history beforeall evidence was lost
Analysis
Recentlyrepainted element
March 2009March 2009
Recently repainted section March 2009
Awaiting repaintingMarch 2009
Constructionca.1892
The Opening30th June 1894
Edwardian Childrenca.1910s
Maintenanceca.1920s
Road Worksca.1932
WartimeBarrage Balloon
London Fogca.1950s
Painting from a cradleca.1950s
Traffic1964
Painting1976
Numerous samples weretaken from representative
elements
Paint Sampling
Paint Analysis
Patrick Baty of Papers and Paints
was tasked to carry out the paint research
Samples of paint were taken for microscopicSamples of paint were taken for microscopicexamination
The documentary and photographic recordsin the London Metropolitan Archives wereexamined
Sampling19th March 2009
Samples wereremoved with a
hammer and chisel
Paint Sample Removed for Analysis
Representativeelements were taken toestablish the decorative
historyhistory
Each sample was numbered and placed in small bags
The best of the samples were selected and placed inmoulds with a label to identify them
The paint flakes were placed in half-filledmoulds. Quick-setting resin was poured over
them, and they were left to harden.
Cross Sections
Cross Sections
When the resin has set the blocks were cut through andpolished
Microscopy
Examination was carried out using different microscopes
1) The bridge has been painted on at least 13-14 occasions
2) A number of elements have been stripped or replaced
3) The first scheme was applied in two phases:
Some Facts Gleaned
3) The first scheme was applied in two phases:
a) the interim scheme was a dark red-brown;b) the final colour was a greenish-blue
4) The first polychromatic scheme was applied in 1976
Cross Section from Helm
Here it can be seen thatthe red strand of the torsein the City arms had been
gilded originallygilded originally
Here it can be seen thatthe white torse had alsobeen gilded. The City
arms had first beenarms had first beencoloured in the 1960s.
For more information on what I do:
By Appointment toHer Majesty The Queen
Architectural Paint SpecialistsPapers and Paints Ltd
For more information on what I do:
www.papers-paints.co.uk
4 Park Walk, London SW10 0ADTel. +44 (0)20-7352-8626
Credits
Many of the early photographs are on display at the Tower BridgeExhibition on the upper walkway of the bridge
See http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/TBE/EN/ for times of opening
Tower Bridge Exhibition
TelephoneAll our lines are open 10:00 - 17:30 GMT.For general information telephone +44 (0) 20 7403 3761.For group bookings telephone +44 (0) 20 7407 9191.