Rotunda and ceiling detail at St Paul's Cathedral, London

St Paul's Cathedral

Location
London & South East
Client
Dean & Chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral
Awards
  • RIBA Award: Conservation 2012
  • RIBA L:ondon 2012
  • RICS: Project of the Year 2009
  • Natural Stone Award: Landscaping 2008
  • Georgian Group Award: Restoration of a Georgian Church 2008
Shortlist
  • The Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects: New City Architecture Award 2008

A major series of works led by Purcell over 15 years has revitalised Sir Christopher Wren’s St Paul's Cathedral, extending to every part of the Grade I-listed Anglican cathedral.

The works finished in time for the building’s tercentenary in 2010. Working in close cooperation with the cathedral, our interdisciplinary team of architects and consultants ensured that St Paul’s Cathedral has remained open and in use throughout the entire project.

Across the building, we conducted structural repairs to the peristyle of the dome, reconstruction of the west steps and comprehensive stonework repairs and cleaning. The south churchyard has been reordered to display the remains of the pre-fire chapter house.

Internal works have included the liturgical reordering of the interior, alongside comprehensive cleaning and relighting schemes. Work has extended to the crypt, where staff, visitor, conference and education facilities have been provided. The OBE Chapel and Nelson’s burial chamber have also been reordered and relit.

The exterior of St Paul's Cathedral
© Sampson Lloyd

As part of the project, the cathedral’s interior was cleaned and reordered to enable the building to speak more clearly to worshipers and visitors alike. The south churchyard was laid out to enable step free access into the building, and follows archaeologically informed interpretation of the medieval chapter house.

The extensive new facilities do much to support the life and work of the cathedral and the crypt now provides a warm welcome for visitors. New furnishings respect the quality of the building and are fully reversible.

Equality Act compliant access arrangements have ensured that the cathedral is now accessible to everyone. The newly repaired and cleaned exterior enhances St Paul’s Cathedral's position at the focal point of the City of London.