Description:
Restoration and rehabilitation of the Custom House exposed to urban and marine pollution. It houses now the department of environment, heritage and local government. A major rebuilding programme was undertaken from 1924 to 1930 including considerable remodeling of the interior and reconstruction of the dome. Works to external walls involved minimal alteration. In the 1960's an amount of repair-work was carried out to statuary at roof level. Abrasive cleaning of stonework undertaken in 1970 resulted in some surface damage. In 1978 following a fall of stone on the South Portico a major examination was undertaken and extensive restoration works both cosmetic and structural, combining traditional craft skills and high technology of repair was done. The philosophy of work was established as one of conservation and repair rather than restoration and replacement, non destructive techniques, including ultrasonics, magnatrometry and radiography were employed.