The late John Byrne’s iconic dome design, that stands as an important piece of Edinburgh’s theatrical heritage, is being protected and restored thanks to expert conservation work that is part of the King’s Theatre redevelopment project.
John Byrne played an important role in the history of the King’s Theatre through his All the World’s a Stage mural painted on the dome inside the auditorium. John and his team, that included his daughter Celie, worked on the 78.5 square metre painting over a six-week period. The new design was unveiled on 6th August 2013 and brought joy and amazement to theatregoers up to August 2022 when the King’s Theatre closed for its major redevelopment.
Now, 12 years after completion, a team of specialists in the form of Scottish Wall Paintings Conservators, are carrying out painstaking restoration work on the dome. Operating from a platform 100 feet above the ground floor of the theatre, the conservation team has already applied Japanese tissue paper to patches of flaking paint as a temporary measure. Next, the conservators will begin the delicate process of reattaching the areas of flaked paint in order to restore this magnificent piece of public art to its full glory.
Karen Dundas, from Scottish Wall Paintings Conservators, said “It’s a pleasure to be working on John Byrne’s mural in the King’s Theatre dome. I’m sure the coming weeks will try our patience, as we carefully re-adhere each vulnerable flake back onto the ceiling plaster. It’s going to be extremely challenging, but worth the struggle to save this vibrant painting.”
John Byrne’s daughter Celie was part of the first dome conservation inspection in September 2024, offering her experience of working on this very special project with her father, and witnessing first-hand the dedication and expertise of the conservators at work.
Celie Byrne said “It was a privilege to be one of the small team of ‘apprentices’ to the ‘master’ that is John Byrne back in 2013. This was my first foray into large scale mural art and loved every moment on site, up high on what seemed like our own island out at sea. I will always treasure that special time with my daddy.”
The redevelopment of the King’s Theatre represents a major investment in Edinburgh’s cultural future. It will feature enhanced accessibility for artists and audience members alike, along with state-of-the-art public facilities including a new creative engagement studio, a changing places toilet, and a café that will all add to its role as a vibrant community hub.
When the building reopens in spring 2026, audiences will again be able raise their eyes before and between performances to revel in John’s magnificent All the World’s a Stage dome painting.
The conservation of the John Byrne painting has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Pilgrim Trust and The Idlewild Trust.
For more information about the King’s Theatre project and to support Capital Theatres’ ongoing fundraising efforts, please visit www.capitaltheatres.com/kings-future.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 