Work to restore one of Chelmsford's most iconic buildings to its former glory is progressing ahead of schedule.
Renovations to the outside of the Grade II* Shire Hall are ahead of their autumn target due to scaffolding and stone repair works finishing ahead of schedule.
Tree works next to the cathedral-facing wall have now been completed while cleaning has begun to the front.
Meetings have been held with art conservators and Chelmsford Museum regarding the protection of art works and sculptures.
The building's Naiad sculpture will be protected in situ with a timber crate by a specialist while the King George III painting is to be kept in situ with access to the stairwell where it resides controlled to limit dust and debris spreading.
Paintings in the County Room will be taken to the Essex Record Office in Wharf Road and rehung on specialist hangars on completion of the works.
Work to be done includes cleaning and repairing stonework, re-pointing, replacing metal fixings to stonework, specialist cleaning and repairs to sculptural relief panels, roofing works, decorations, overhauling rainwater goods and overhauling metal railings.
