The Athenaeum

London

The project

When it opened back in 1830, the Athenæum Club broke the mould. While its members have maintained a huge influence on British life over the centuries, we were appointed to help sympathetically maintain the fabric of the clubhouse for generations to come.

What was needed

A private gentleman’s club, The Athenaeum is a meeting place for some of the most influential minds of their age. Darwin and Dickens were both elected members on the same day in 1838, while its Nobel Book lists 50 prize-winning members.

Designed by Decimus Burton, the Athenaeum clubhouse stunned members with its stylish interior, including a drawing room considered to be one of the finest of any club in London. We were commissioned to prepare proposals for the repair and maintenance of its famous exterior as well as sensitive internal alterations, including enhancements to its members’ rooms on the upper floors.

Making it happen

Appointed for our in-house restoration skillset, we ensured the works were completed to the full satisfaction of the Crown Estate, and Club requirements. Careful consideration towards the internal decorative features and the existing structure were successfully planned and coordinated to ensure modern services did not conflict with the listing, but greatly improved upon the Club’s internal day-to-day operations.