Statues of the Graces, Chapel of St Peter & St Paul

Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich

World Heritage Site

The Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College was set up in 1997 to restore and maintain the buildings and grounds of the Naval College, increase public access and promote understanding of the site. The Foundation is restoring the Naval College's chapel, rebuilt after a fire in 1779 and designed by James "Athenian" Stuart. The chapel was completed in 1789. The Foundation is currently refurbishing the chapel's circular vestibule, which contains a number of fine memorials as well as four Coade stone statues of the Graces in niches, designed by the artist Benjamin West. Over two centuries these statues have often been sloppily covered with layers of paint which have obscured decorative details. In September 2009 the statues of Hope and Meekness were cleaned, 17 layers of paint removed to reveal these statues original beauty, with delicate details such as folds of drapery uncovered. The Foundation are now set to restore the final two statues (one pictured above), which are estimated to cost £13,898.25. The Trust has offered £2,500 towards their restoration, which includes £1,000 graciously donated by The Hazel Wood Charitable Trust. The work is due to be completed in summer 2010.