Bringing Colour Back to Life at St Mary Immaculate, Warwick

As conservation architects, our role is to investigate and interrogate previous work, uncovering clues within the fabric of a building that help us achieve an authentic and sensitive restoration. At St Mary Immaculate in Warwick, colour is a vital part of the church’s architectural character and spiritual atmosphere. When we undertook Phase 1 of its restoration, a key focus was to ensure that the revived interior remained faithful to the church’s rich decorative tradition, while giving it a new lease of life.

​Colour Matching process
Over decades, much of the original painted decoration at St Mary Immaculate had been lost, obscured or dulled by later redecoration. Careful conservation cleaning revealed areas of vibrant surviving decoration, particularly in the Sanctuary ceiling, the existing Nave stencilling, and on the Stations of the Cross.

​In other areas, such as the Nave arches and the north and south chapels, we uncovered clues to earlier decorative schemes but key elements had been lost. Here, our aim was to introduce new painted decoration that harmonised with the original palette and patterns.
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​We worked with Keim’s senior colourist, who provided invaluable expertise in matching colours to the surviving originals. Using bespoke Keim colours, created specifically for this project, we were able to recreate tones that matched or were a very close match to the decorative scheme.

​Specialist conservators carefully analysed surviving paint layers to establish accurate colour references. Keim’s team provided meticulously prepared colour samples, which were assessed and refined in situ to achieve an exact match. This collaborative, iterative process ensured the highest standard of visual integration between original and new elements.

​To enhance the Nave arches, we designed the new stencilled Greek and Hebrew Bible texts, drawing on detailed research. These were then expertly applied by Nolan Decorations Ltd, ensuring the new work complements and enriches the restored scheme.

​​​​Through careful analysis of surviving paint layers, the creation of bespoke colour formulations, and the considered application of new decorative elements, we were able to achieve a restored scheme that respects and enhances the church’s historic character.