The Royal Institution (Ri) has set out plans for the conservation of its Grade I Listed building, a central London space recognised internationally for its unique blend of scientific heritage and contemporary research.
The Building Conservation Management Plan published today is the first major review of conservation approaches in over 20 years, describing the history and significance of the two separate buildings that make up the Royal Institution: 20 and 21 Albemarle Street. This includes 200 years of adaptations – such as development as one of the best-equipped research facilities in Europe during the 19th century and the major refurbishment of its iconic Theatre in the first half of the 20th century – with each adaptation contributing a layer to the buildings’ history.
The plan represents the Ri’s commitment to preserve the buildings’ fabric and the unique Georgian heritage assets they house, making recommendations for the conservation and interpretation of their heritage, thoughtfully balanced with their continued use in fulfilling the modern-day charitable aims of the Ri.
It identifies a number of defining issues – including the physical condition of the building, access challenges, management of the Ri’s internationally significant heritage archive, and climate change adaptation – while highlighting the value of ongoing links to scientific research and the vital need for charitable fundraising through the Ri’s £20m ‘Be the Spark’ campaign.
Recommendations include conserving significant historic fabric, such as the Grand Staircase and Theatre, enhancing accessibility, developing a climate change adaptation plan to ensure resilience and sustainability, and safeguarding measures to protect the building and those who work at and visit the Ri.
Katherine Mathieson, Director of The Royal Institution (Ri), said:
“With the world’s leading scientists of the past making scientific discoveries that continue to shape our world today, and as the home of the much-loved CHRISTMAS LECTURES® for over 200 years, our building has a special place in the UK’s rich history of scientific advance.
“So those of us who are today’s custodians of this national asset have a responsibility to ensure that the integrity of our heritage is thoughtfully preserved, while meeting modern-day standards and public expectations as a home for science where everyone is welcome.
“We are grateful for the advice of Historic England in developing this first comprehensive building conservation plan in over two decades, providing the framework through which we will preserve a rich legacy while continuing to inspire future generations through scientific discovery and education.”
The Ri’s Building Conservation Management Plan was developed with advice from Historic England as part of environmental refurbishment works to reduce the Ri building’s carbon emissions by more than 40%, completed earlier this year thanks to 4.5 million funding from the Mayor of London.
Available from the Ri website, Building Conservation Management Plan, acts as the primary source of reference for any future alterations, maintenance and capital works, and will be reviewed on a 10-yearly basis to ensure it remains fit for purpose in guiding the long-term management of the Ri in a way that safeguards the site’s significance.