National Trust
We were approached by the National Trust to create a replica of Princess Charlotte’s mausoleum at Claremont Gardens, Esher. With only one old photo and a few sketches for reference we reconstructed the detailing and made moulds to vacuum form PVC sheets.
The replica was built to an 80% scale structure on the original footprint, using plywood, vacuum formed PVC and a lot of patience.
The Mausoleum was to be in place to celebrate the life of Princess Charlotte who lived at Claremont and died 200 years ago aged just 21.
Originally meant to be a temporary structure in place for 6 months the mausoleum was so successful as an attraction it stayed in place for a year and a half.
What We Did
The installation took a team of five craftsmen around 450 hours to make, in a fascinating eight-week process that involved site mapping, historical research, CAD drawing, sculpting, mould former making, painting and carpentry. The replica has been finished to evoke the texture of the original Bernasconi’s cement, and features surprisingly detailed Gothic tracery, arches and quatrefoils. An arch of roses completes the installation – a nod to Charlotte’s desire to enhance the terrace with a flower garden.
Gallery
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