12/06/2026
This month's project spotlight is Fishmongers' Hall, a Greek Revival building in London built in1834, where ADAM Partner Robbie Kerr recently restored and reconfigured the main staircase and stair hall, addressing later changes that disrupted its classical language.
Inspired by Greek temple architecture and the Choragic Monument of Thrasyllus, the redesign introduces a new internal Doric façade conceived as a robust visual base to the Ionic order above, following the classical principles of stacked orders. The broader proportions, lack of entasis and carefully refined profiles were developed through close study of Greek Doric precedents, while being sensitively adjusted to suit the scale and condition of the existing stair hall.
Deeper rustication, stepped returns and a strengthened cornice projection improve the relationship between the columns and their base, drawing focus to the central niche and reinforcing a sense of structural clarity, strength and balance. Crafted in French Stuc Pierre by Del Boca, an historic plaster technique used to create the appearance of carved limestone and ashlar masonry in a lightweight stone-like material, these careful interventions integrate seamlessly with the historic fabric, while accommodating displays, statuary, and the building’s architectural narrative.
Our work also included the restoration of the wider decorative scheme with Dolby Design, and lighting. Interventions extended to the niches on either side of the hall, alongside accessibility improvements, including the introduction of new handrails to the lower steps, ensuring the space is both historically coherent and more inclusive in use.
Photography by Jake Eastham
