Historic interior

A historic interior is more than the sum of its parts.  The interior, as it presents itself to us today, stems from historical work processes and evolves over time. Occupants come and go, collections are founded and renovations take place. The preservation and restoration of such heritage requires an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach.

Coherence and context

SRAL has broad expertise in research, conservation and restoration of historic interiors. Our projects are commissioned by public authorities, heritage institutions, real estate agencies and private owners. We focus mainly on historical buildings such as churches, town halls, country houses, palaces and mansions. These interiors often contain rich furnishings with decorative elements, including paintings, murals, sculptures, furniture, textiles, and architectural details. 
The coherence and context of the interior play a crucial role in our decision-making process. We view the interior as a unified ensemble composed of diverse objects, each with its own unique properties, aging processes, and history. These elements are historically intertwined, necessitating a specific and multidisciplinary approach.

Integrated approach

The conservation of historic interiors requires a comprehensive approach, working closely with heritage institutions, restoration architects and specialists from various (restoration) disciplines. Restorations are often carried out on site by specialised teams, and interior parts are brought to the studios in Maastricht for treatment.  Historical colour research and paint analysis are usually part of our integrated approach.