Client: Millane Contracts Ltd
Sector: Heritage Restoration
Duration: 3 Months

Project Overview

Pembroke & Bull were engaged by Millane Contracts Ltd to restore and redecorate the iconic Kensington Bandstand in Kensington Park Gardens. As a heritage restoration, the goal was to bring this historic structure back to life while preserving its character and architectural integrity.

 A Brief History

The Kensington Bandstand, located just south of the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens, was installed in 1931 and designed by J. Markham of the Office of Works. The Royal Parks Its Regency-style cast-iron columns, ornate roofline, and classical proportions have made it a focal point of the park and a cherished public amenity. The Royal Parks+1 Over time, the structure had weathered decades of exposure, requiring careful restoration to both its architectural fabric and decorative elements.

 Scope of Works

• Full redecoration of the bandstand structure, both internally and externally

• Use of heritage techniques and materials to respect the original design

• Specialist paintwork on all metalwork using Hempel coatings, ensuring durable, long-life finishes

• A key heritage task: reconstructing the original ceiling stencil design. We took what remained of the old, decayed stencil as reference, re-rendered the ceiling surface, and then reinstated the historical pattern using our specialist signwriter craftsmanship

 Challenges & Solutions

The major challenge lay in reconstructing the original ceiling stencil: only fragments and traces remained, and much was degraded. To address this, our team conducted in-depth analysis of the surviving sections, cross-referenced with historical precedents of period bandstand ornamentation, and collaborated with a specialist signwriter to faithfully restore the motif using heritage methods. By blending careful craftsmanship with historical sensitivity, we were able to recreate a ceiling design that felt authentic and in keeping with the original intent.

Results

The restored Kensington Bandstand now stands rejuvenated as a vibrant heritage feature in the park. Its metalwork gleams with long-lasting protection, and the reinstated ceiling stencil acts as a subtle but powerful aesthetic anchor. The restoration has not only preserved the architectural legacy but also revived a key cultural landmark in Kensington’s public realm. The client expressed high satisfaction with the outcome, praising our attention to detail, research-led approach, and ability to breathe new life into a historic treasure.