C O N T E X T 1 4 4 : M A Y 2 0 1 6 11 The transept entrance to the Temperate House (Photo: Thomas Erskine, Donald Insall Associates) The existing sculpture within the Central Block, somewhat overshadowed by the planting, includes works by Cheere and Rysbrack.The careful restoration of these, and of the urns and decorative plasterwork on the building, is being undertaken byTaylor Pearce. In the case of the urns the aim is to restore structural integrity to the socles and replace missing finials. The sculpture will form an integral part of the new interpretation and visitor interaction proposals. The present all-over, brilliant white, decorative scheme inside and out is significantly different from that of the original. Moreover, it covers architectural detail previously left unpainted, particularly the high-level sculptural terracotta figures on the east front. Research by Catherine Hassall revealed a total of up to 13 different paint layers in the older parts of the building. Early schemes within the 1860s buildings exhibited stone-coloured walls and a pale blue and off-white decorative scheme on the structure (not untypical of decorationwith a late-Regency influence). This changed to dark green schemes on the metalwork with the addition of the later North and South Blocks (which thus never received the blue scheme).The final design will be developed in coordination with both London Borough of Richmond and Historic England, in order to provide the best possible setting for the foliage and sculptures. The project is not solely focused on the built fabric of the Temperate House. As part of the construction process and wider educational emphasis of the project, the main contractor, ISg, is offering six three-year heritage conservation apprenticeships and Kew is directly employing a further 10 focusing on horticulture. The introduction of new landscaping to the precinct by Land Use Consultants, and the integration of ramps, will provide for the first time full level access throughout the wholeTemperate House. Internal landscaped paths have been re-configured to correlate in plan more closely with the original Decimus Burton layout and encourage interaction between the public and the planting, and to help with maintenance access. New public toilets and baby-change facilities are being provided.These, coupled with a new servery kitchen and back-of-house kitchenette, changing facilities and staff breakout space, offer Kew the business opportunity for greater event and activity planning for the glasshouse. The horticultural team has been working since 2013 to move the entire plant species collection from the Temperate House to the newly created Decant Nursery (previously the Munchbox),where it is being propagated. Very large plants have been lifted, potted and transported to the Decant Nursery spaces. Additionally, a new purpose-built Propagation House (which will be a permanent legacy of the project) is providing glasshouse nursery space for continued care of the main collections and space for growing the changing annual displays.The new internal landscaping will generate regional zones for the new plants. Following the successful propagation period there will be a mix of mature and young plants by 2018. For the next year, the seven remaining trees within the scaffold are being protected and tended in their individual micro-climate cases. Work will continue around them, with the final paint layers being applied before re-glazing the structure beginning at the end of the year. Kew Gardens remains open to the public. Aimée Felton is an associate at Donald Insall Associates Architects
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