Royal Albert Hall - most prestigious terracotta new build for years

As one of the country's finest and most loved Grade 1 listed buildings, Shaws of Darwen were chosen to be the only company with the experience, expertise and capacity to carry out what must be the largest and most prestigious terracotta new build project for many years.

The brief was to recreate a new south porch which would replicate the existing terracotta to the very highest of standards.

The initial stage was to develop a clay colour to faithfully match the existing hall, followed by the most meticulous survey of each and every profile, detail level, to ensure an accurate fit for new and old.

The next stage was to produce over 120 elevation, section and plan drawings, indicating the 8400 terracotta blocks, which were produced from nearly 800 different types of models and moulds.

Our highly skilled sculptors replicated every last detail down to every vein on every leaf, all to the satisfaction of the client and English Heritage.

Working in conjunction with an excellent client, architect and construction team, deliveries were planned in sequence to a very demanding site programme and completion date. The extension looks absolutely wonderful and stands proud testament to the skill of our craftsmen.

"The jewel in the crown of the Royal Albert Hall's recent development was the new south porch, which had to match the existing Grade 1 listed building and required the manufacture of over 8,400 meticulous, decorated, Lord Bearing terracotta blocks. Shaws of Darwen manufactured these blocks and their work and performance on the project was absolutely first class."

David Elliot Chief Executive, The Royal Albert Hall.

For other exciting projects in terracotta visit www.shaws-terracotta.com