Tower Bridge

Paint Analysis 2009

Bascules opening1960s

Bridge was designedby Horace Jones and

John Wolfe Barry

Opened by the

Tower Bridge

Opened by thePrince of Wales

on 30th June 1894

It is currently undergoing a major restoration. Part of thishas involved the removal of all earlier layers of paint in

order to ensure the complete adherence of the new paint.

Restoration

It was important to record the decorative history beforeall evidence was lost

Analysis

Recentlyrepainted element

March 2009March 2009

Recently repainted section March 2009

Awaiting repaintingMarch 2009

Constructionca.1892

The Opening30th June 1894

Edwardian Childrenca.1910s

Maintenanceca.1920s

Road Worksca.1932

WartimeBarrage Balloon

London Fogca.1950s

Painting from a cradleca.1950s

Traffic1964

Painting1976

Numerous samples weretaken from representative

elements

Paint Sampling

Paint Analysis

Patrick Baty of Papers and Paints

was tasked to carry out the paint research

Samples of paint were taken for microscopicSamples of paint were taken for microscopicexamination

The documentary and photographic recordsin the London Metropolitan Archives wereexamined

Sampling19th March 2009

Samples wereremoved with a

hammer and chisel

Paint Sample Removed for Analysis

Representativeelements were taken toestablish the decorative

historyhistory

Each sample was numbered and placed in small bags

The best of the samples were selected and placed inmoulds with a label to identify them

The paint flakes were placed in half-filledmoulds. Quick-setting resin was poured over

them, and they were left to harden.

Cross Sections

Cross Sections

When the resin has set the blocks were cut through andpolished

Microscopy

Examination was carried out using different microscopes

1) The bridge has been painted on at least 13-14 occasions

2) A number of elements have been stripped or replaced

3) The first scheme was applied in two phases:

Some Facts Gleaned

3) The first scheme was applied in two phases:

a) the interim scheme was a dark red-brown;b) the final colour was a greenish-blue

4) The first polychromatic scheme was applied in 1976

Cross Section from Helm

Here it can be seen thatthe red strand of the torsein the City arms had been

gilded originallygilded originally

Here it can be seen thatthe white torse had alsobeen gilded. The City

arms had first beenarms had first beencoloured in the 1960s.

For more information on what I do:

By Appointment toHer Majesty The Queen

Architectural Paint SpecialistsPapers and Paints Ltd

For more information on what I do:

www.papers-paints.co.uk

4 Park Walk, London SW10 0ADTel. +44 (0)20-7352-8626

Credits

Many of the early photographs are on display at the Tower BridgeExhibition on the upper walkway of the bridge

See http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/TBE/EN/ for times of opening

Tower Bridge Exhibition

TelephoneAll our lines are open 10:00 - 17:30 GMT.For general information telephone +44 (0) 20 7403 3761.For group bookings telephone +44 (0) 20 7407 9191.