The Project

In a significant conservation milestone, Restore Harrow Green’s Manchester relocation team supported Preston City Council with the careful reinstallation of the iconic Alexander the Great frieze at the Harris Museum and Gallery. The plaster frieze, a historical reproduction of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s 1812 masterpiece, holds considerable cultural value and required meticulous handling after undergoing essential conservation works.

The Challenges

The project presented multiple logistical and technical challenges:

• Fragility and Size: The frieze is both delicate and large, demanding precise handling to prevent any damage.
• Installation Complexity: Reinstalling the frieze required the team to operate at height within a tight indoor environment.
• Conservation-Sensitive Work: Every aspect of the relocation had to align with strict conservation protocols to ensure the frieze’s preservation.
• Coordination with Conservation Teams: Close collaboration with conservators was necessary to safeguard the structural and aesthetic integrity of the artefact.

The Solution

Restore Harrow Green deployed a skilled team, including experienced supervisors and trained heritage movers, to deliver a controlled, step-by-step reinstallation process. Key actions included:

• Conducting a full site survey to assess access routes and install appropriate building protection.
• Utilising specialised lifting equipment such as Genie Lifts, skates, and padded platforms to safely manoeuvre the frieze into position.
• Implementing risk-assessed handling techniques and conservation-grade wrapping materials like Plastazote and anti-static protection.
• Working closely with museum and council representatives to ensure alignment with preservation and safety standards.

The Outcome

• The frieze was successfully and safely reinstalled, marking another milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Harris Museum.
• The project showcased Restore Harrow Green’s expertise in heritage handling and complex installations, cementing our role as trusted partners to cultural institutions.
• The museum team praised the professionalism, care, and precision demonstrated throughout the project.