Renovation in the 1960s Fry Wing
Restoration Programme at Clifton Hill House
The Dining Room in Fry Wing is a good example of simple but effective transformation, which was carried out in 1989 in the 1960’s wing, which was at the time financed by the Cadbury Fry family. The room that the students used to call the “works canteen” was completely grey. When redecorated, the 12 pilasters were picked out and marbleised giving the room a better architectural rhythm, especially with the addition of pediments around the doors and the 14 windows which are also surrounded by a classical border.
In 2002 the Dining Room was redecorated in a vibrant yellow that makes an interesting contrast with the new Greek key border of strong colours.
The Main Entrance Hall was brightened up in 1989 with wall panels of delicate colours. New lighting in the shape of lanterns, door pediments and “marble” skirting and panels were also introduced.
The Symonds Library, in Fry-Wing, was created in 1994 out of an oversized 1960s ladies cloakroom; it now houses a permanent exhibition of the Symonds family’s memorabilia. It is widely used by our students for private study and other activities.
The Mezzanine leading to the Symonds Library was redesigned in 2003 with the introduction of Etruscan red paint, stencilling and a classical plaque in place of an obsolete fire hydrant.
JCR/ Bar – The students’ Junior Common Room was refurbished in 1997 with the introduction of wooden pediments and panels with architectural borders. The introduction of the exterior staircase gives direct access to the Fry-Wing gardens and is used extensively for students’ functions. The JCR floor was sanded and treated in 1999 to make it more serviceable for students’ use. New lighting has also replaced the old-fashioned 1960s hanging lights that had become broken over the years.
Back to the Restoration Programme
In 2002 the Dining Room was redecorated in a vibrant yellow that makes an interesting contrast with the new Greek key border of strong colours.
The Main Entrance Hall was brightened up in 1989 with wall panels of delicate colours. New lighting in the shape of lanterns, door pediments and “marble” skirting and panels were also introduced.
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Symonds Library Before |
Symonds Library After |
The Symonds Library, in Fry-Wing, was created in 1994 out of an oversized 1960s ladies cloakroom; it now houses a permanent exhibition of the Symonds family’s memorabilia. It is widely used by our students for private study and other activities.
The Mezzanine leading to the Symonds Library was redesigned in 2003 with the introduction of Etruscan red paint, stencilling and a classical plaque in place of an obsolete fire hydrant.
JCR/ Bar – The students’ Junior Common Room was refurbished in 1997 with the introduction of wooden pediments and panels with architectural borders. The introduction of the exterior staircase gives direct access to the Fry-Wing gardens and is used extensively for students’ functions. The JCR floor was sanded and treated in 1999 to make it more serviceable for students’ use. New lighting has also replaced the old-fashioned 1960s hanging lights that had become broken over the years.
Back to the Restoration Programme


