Business Details
39 Years
experience
Expert Decorative Finishes & Restoration Services in London
Established in 1987, Hare & Humphrey's has become one of Britain's leading specialists in the painting, gilding, conservation, and decoration of historic and contemporary buildings. Our team of highly skilled painters, decorators, gilders, and conservators combines extensive experience with a commitment to craftsmanship, delivering bespoke finishes for diverse projects ranging from listed buildings to luxury residential interiors. In 2001, we were honoured to receive a Royal Warrant as Decorators and Gilders by appointment to HM Queen Elizabeth II for our work on Windsor Castle, a testament to our dedication to excellence. Our services include architectural paint research, focussed personal consultancy, and restoration, blending traditional techniques with contemporary conservation standards.With a new management team appointed in 2025, we are expanding opportunities in the heritage sector while maintaining our founding principles of quality, fairness, and customer-focused service. Our workshop and showroom in Kensington offer bespoke samples, and we provide tailored maintenance programmes to preserve the longevity of our installations. Our team's international expertise, combined with a passion for their craft, ensures every project reflects both historical integrity and modern innovation.
Services
Gilding
Faux Painting
Restoration
Polished Plaster
Trompe l'Oeil
Venetian Plaster
Architectural Paint Research
Bespoke Interior Consultancy
Decorative Plaster
Leather Wall Coverings
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in historic and contemporary decorative finishes.
- Our team holds a Royal Warrant for excellence in gilding and decoration.
- We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern conservation techniques.
- We offer tailored maintenance programmes for long-term preservation of finishes.
- Our bespoke consultancy ensures unique solutions for luxury residential and heritage projects.
Associations and certifications
- Royal Warrant Holders
Services
Gilding
Our gilding service applies genuine gold, silver, and metal leaf to surfaces using traditional water and oil gilding techniques. This specialist finish enhances architectural details, furniture, and decorative elements while preserving historical accuracy. Clients benefit from our expertise in matching period finishes and creating bespoke gilded features.
Architectural Paint Research
We conduct layer analysis to determine original colour schemes and paint compositions in historic buildings. This scientific approach reveals decorative timelines and material specifications, guiding authentic restoration projects. Our research informs conservation decisions while maintaining architectural integrity for heritage clients.
Polished Plaster
Our polished plaster finishes use traditional lime-based materials to create smooth, luminous surfaces with subtle texture. Ideal for both historic and modern interiors, this service offers durability and aesthetic refinement. Clients receive customised mixes and application techniques tailored to their project's requirements.
Trompe l'Oeil
Our trompe l'oeil service creates realistic painted illusions that mimic architectural features, objects, or textures. This specialist technique adds visual interest to interiors through perspective tricks and detailed brushwork. Clients benefit from our artists' expertise in creating bespoke optical effects.
Bespoke Interior Consultancy
We provide tailored guidance on colour schemes, material selection, and decorative techniques for residential and commercial projects. Our consultancy combines technical knowledge with creative vision to develop unique interior solutions. Clients receive expert recommendations aligned with their aesthetic goals and practical needs.
People
Thomas Wallerand
Managing Director
Thomas leads Hare & Humphrey's' strategic growth while maintaining our heritage conservation ethos. With extensive industry experience, he ensures our founding principles of quality and customer service remain central to all operations.
Lewis Keen
Quantity Surveyor
Lewis joined Hare & Humphrey's in May 2025, bringing expertise in cost management for specialist decorative projects. His role ensures financial efficiency while maintaining the high standards required for heritage and luxury interiors.
Beth Cargill
Studio Manager
Appointed in July 2025, Beth oversees our new Kensington studio operations. She manages sample production and client visits, ensuring seamless coordination between design concepts and practical implementation for global projects.
Questions
What specialist services do you offer?
We specialise in gilding, faux painting, polished plaster, trompe l'oeil, and restoration of historic decorative schemes using traditional techniques.
Do you work on heritage buildings?
Yes, we are experts in conservation and restoration of listed buildings, including architectural paint research and period-appropriate finishes.
Can you create bespoke interior finishes?
Our team offers tailored decorative solutions including custom colour schemes, hand-applied stencils, and unique mural designs.
Are you Royal Warrant holders?
Yes, we were granted a Royal Warrant in 2001 for our work on Windsor Castle's restoration and decoration.
Do you provide maintenance for decorative finishes?
We offer tailored maintenance programmes to preserve the longevity of gilded surfaces, painted decorations, and plasterwork.
Where is your showroom located?
Our Kensington workshop and showroom displays samples of our work, with studio visits bookable via our website.
