BECK RETURNS TO THE TOWER OF LONDON TO CREATE KING’S CYPHER SIGNAGE

04.05.23
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A decade after BECK completed successful fit-out works at the Tower of London, the team were privileged to return, after being appointed once again by Historic Royal Palaces.

In 2012, the BECK team was commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces to create new galleries for the world-famous Crown Jewels, at the Jewel House in the Tower of London, marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee & 60 years as our Monarch.

The new works for 2023 included the removal of the Queen’s cypher at the entrance of the Jewel House, followed by the creation and installation of the new 3D King’s cypher signage, after the accession of King Charles III.

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The new cypher is formed of a 3D printed element created from the official 2D cypher design supplied by Historic Royal Palaces.  An epoxy resin relief was formed from a silicone mould and vapour blasted to a key finish before painting.  The signage was painted in several single tones and finished with 23.5 carat gold leaf.  After fully curing, the gilding was burnished, and Palladium leaf used for any silver areas.

The design of the King’s cypher marks a shift away from the instantly recognisable symbol of the St Edward’s Crown used by Queen Elizabeth II.  The design was chosen personally by King Charles III from a range of designers produced by the College of Arms.  It is similar to the cypher of his grandfather King George VI and features the Tudor Crown.

“BECK was thrilled to return to the Tower of London and work with Historical Royal Palaces once again.”

Mark Banham, Group Board Director

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The design, fabrication and installation of the new signage took place in April, ahead of the King’s coronation on Saturday.

Mark Banham, Group Board Director at BECK says: “BECK was thrilled to return to the Tower of London and work with Historical Royal Palaces once again.  It was a huge privilege for the team to work on the galleries at the Jewel house for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, so we were delighted to have been entrusted with the works for another project of historical importance.”

Ends.

 

(Image credits: Gavin Allanwood on Unsplash, Historic Royal Palaces and Alfred Hawkins.)

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