Coops Group Reproduce and Install Fyvie Hall Murals at 309 Regent Street, London

Date 03/12/2025

Fyvie Hall, named after Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Fyvie Hall takes it’s name from Lord Leith of Fyvie, the benefactor whose major donation enabled the rebuilding of 309 Regent Street in 1910. Lord Leith, originally Alexander John Forbes-Leith made his fortune in the American steel industry before purchasing Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire in 1889. When he was later elevated to the peerage, his title ‘Baron Leith of Fyvie’ was taken directly from the historic estate. In recognition of his substantial financial support to the Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster) the grand new hall was named Fyvie Hall, creating a lasting link between the Regent Street building and the Scottish castle from which Lord Leith drew his noble title.

The Background

During recent restoration works at Fyvie Hall, it was discovered that moisture begun penetrating the walls. To prevent any potential damage to the original artwork, the historic oil canvas panels were carefully removed and placed into safe storage.

Coops Group were asked to produce temporary replacements that would maintain the character and visual presence of the hall.

The Challenge

With the original artwork in storage, only three low-resolution JPEGs were available as reference for creating the 3 sets of panels. Each panel needed to be reproduced at 2.95m long x 1.365m high, meaning the source images had to be dramatically enlarged without losing clarity. Every element required careful reconstruction including the dpi, colour balancing, texture recovery, and AI-assisted extension around the edges to generate a full size bleed that the JPEGs didn’t include.

Canvas Testing

To ensure absolute accuracy, our team produced multiple canvas test prints, refining colour balance, detail recovery, and tonal consistency. Through several iterations, we achieved faithful, high-quality replicas suitable for installation within Fyvie Hall’s historic oak-panelled interior.

Frame Construction

After achieving perfect replicas, the murals were printed on canvas and stretched over custom-built wooden frames by our experienced fitters. The panels were shipped overnight and installed high within Fyvie Hall at the Regent Street Campus at the University of Westminster. These beautiful reproductions honour the character and the detail of the original artworks, preserving their heritage and ensuring continuity until restoration work is completed.

Scott Cooper Managing Director said “we are extremely proud to have been asked to produce temporary replacement murals within the historic Fyvie Hall. The team have done an amazing job, their attention to detail and accuracy to produce the canvases has been nothing but outstanding. They really do maintain the character and visual presence of the hall. I'd personally like to thank the University of Westminster Records and Archives Team and Estates Team for their support, without them it wouldnt have been possible".

The Painting of the Painted Chamber in Westminster Palace by Thomas of Westminster, c.1300

The panel shows Edward I and Queen Eleanor visiting the painters, Thomas of Westminster (the son of Walter of Durham) and his assistants in the Chamber and illustrates a time when work was done no longer chiefly for the Church, but for the State.

Original JPEG File

Installed Printed Canvas

The Goldsmiths’ Presentation, c.1560

The painting represents a gift of goldware to Queen Elizabeth while on procession down Cheapside: two boys are seen carrying the model of the ‘Golden Hind’.