CAREFUL restoration work has begun on artist John Byrne’s painting on the dome in King’s Theatre to bring it back to its former glory.
Situated 100 feet off the ground, the incredible artwork is undergoing expert conservation work to protect and restore the piece before the theatre reopens.
Byrne unveiled the large-scale artwork, titled All the World’s a Stage, in 2013 after six weeks of painting.
The conservation team are now painstakingly working on details to ensure the dome is ready for the theatre’s reopening in 2026.
The King’s Theatre is currently undergoing a £35.6m restoration to ensure the Grade A listed venue is in perfect shape for audiences.
The 117-year-old theatre is one of a handful of surviving Edwardian theatres and has been continuously in operation since 1906.
Changes being made include ensuring the building is completely accessible, all the way from the street to the stage and seats.
The bar area is also set to be enhanced with a brand-new cafe added for use throughout the day and evenings.
The redevelopment was in the works since 2017, but was stalled for 18 months from 2020 during Covid.
The iconic Byrne painting on the dome is now being restored, with the help of the artist’s daughter, Celie Byrne.
Celie also joined the project at its conception, helping her father and his team create the 78.5 square metre painting which was unveiled in August 2013.
Celie said: “I loved every moment on site, up high on what seemed like our own island out at sea. I will always treasure that special time with my daddy.”
The conservation team are meticulously placing Japanese tissue paper on areas where paint is flaking, so as to protect the mural from further damage and ensure that tiny pieces can later be reattached.
Karen Dundas from Scottish Wall Paintings Conservators explained: “[It’s] extremely challenging, but worth the struggle to save this vibrant painting.”
Capital Theatre’s chief executive, Fiona Gibson said: “The King’s Theatre redevelopment is as much about celebrating and preserving the theatre’s rich history, as it is about creating a modern, accessible venue for generations to come.
“It has been such a joy to work with Scottish Wall Paintings Conservators to ensure that John Byrne’s glorious dome painting is looking its very best when the curtain rises in the King’s once more.”