Downing College

Downing College dates back to the beginning of the 19th Century and is predominantly neo-classical in style, conveying a sense of elegance and spaciousness. In 2007 the college embarked on a £1 million project to refurbish and restore the Hall. The aim was to restore, reinvigorate and pay homage to the vision of William Wilkins, the creator of the unique neo-classical architecture of Downing College.

Cambridge University commissioned Campbell Smith & Co to undertake the full restoration of the Dining Hall to its original 1800’s magnificence.

The project won the Painting Project of the Year Award at the Painting & Decorating Association Awards in 2009.

The works included historic paint research and was undertaken by Campbell Smith & Co decorators who applied a full range of highly specialist decorating skills including gold leaf gilding, stencilling, murals and marbling.