After three months of work, English Heritage has completed the restoration of London’s Cenotaph, ahead of Remembrance Day 2013.
The restoration included a deep clean of the Cenotaph, as its Portland stone is “naturally susceptible to weathering and pollution”, although annual maintenance is carried out.
The Cenotaph was erected in the aftermath of the First World War, with the permanent structure being unveiled by King George V on 11th November 1920.
Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “The Cenotaph, like all memorials, marks a place where history breaks through the surface and into our everyday lives”.
“Its austere beauty powerfully reminds us of the millions who died in the terrible events that happened all over the world between 1914 and 1918. English Heritage is honoured to have direct responsibility for making sure the Cenotaph is in good condition for the commemorations of the next four years”.
The restoration work comes ahead of the Centenary of the First World War in 2014, when the Cenotaph is expected to serve as a focal point in the United Kingdom’s efforts to mark the conflict.
Centenary News filmed the cleaning of the Cenotaph, and spoke to Paul Stamper, Senior Adviser, Heritage Protection Department at English Heritage about the process in early July 2013.
Source: English Heritage press release
Date of press release publication: 23/07/2013
Images courtesy of English Heritage
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News