Conservation & Heritage Issue 49 October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 43
Case Studies
You will find that many custodians of our heritage have
and continue to choose linseed paints after analysis
and research. The Chateau of Versailles reverted to
linseed oil paint after alkyd paint failure. Closer to
home and in the UK it has been used for decades at the
Holkham Estate (saving fortunes in their maintenance
programme) and more recently at Norwich Castle. You
don’t have to own a castle or chateau to see the benefits
of linseed oil paint, especially for anything wood or
metal exposed to the elements.
Royal Palace Reborn at Norwich Castle
Norwich Castle is one of Europe’s most important
Norman buildings. Built as a Royal residence after the
invasion of William the Conqueror, and completed
by Henry I in 1121, it was constructed on a manmade
mound out of limestone shipped over from Caen in
France. From its dominant vantage point overlooking
Norwich city, the impressive castle never actually
housed a monarch, but spent most of its life as the
county gaol. After being decommissioned in 1883 it
was converted into a museum. In 2020, following a £13
million grant from the National Lottery Heritage fund,
a major refurbishment project was undertaken. After 5
years, and a total £27.5 million spent, the Grade I listed
castle was reopened in August 2025 to the public in all
its new glory.
Swedish linseed oil paint was specified for use on
the 900-year-old building and to match the Royal
Standard colours. This included painting leather bound
doors, timber doors (the hinges being tinned or cow
horn blacked to accord with historical research) and
metal scrolls.
A recent Channel 4 documentary narrated by Sir
Steven Fry details the restoration process, covering all
its twists and turns. The castle is well worth a visit.
As they say in Sweden ’we have to look back if we are to
see the future’ and we must therefore ‘rediscover the
ancient wisdom.’
Above, The King’s Suite - Colours of the Royal Standard,
Norwich Castle
Allbäck Linseed Oil Products Distributed in the UK by
AS USED BY:
CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES
AMALIENBORG PALACE
HOLKHAM ESTATE
To be continued in the next edition…
NORWICH CASTLE
Kevin Davies is a chartered architect registered with the
RIBA & ARB. He lives in Devon and specialises in work to
listed buildings and sustainable development projects in the
UK and the developing world. He provides expert advice to
conservation specialists, craftsman and artisans alike.
Tel: + 44 (0) 1769 581765
info@swedishlinseedpaint.co.uk
www.swedishlinseedpaint.co.uk
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR paints │ WAXEs
OILS │ SOAP │ PUTTY │ tools & ADVICE
01769 581765 │ info@swedishlinseedpaint.co.uk
www.swedishlinseedpaint.co.uk
