Big Ben Restored: The Grand Unveiling on SBS – The greatest clock tower in the world has undergone the most extraordinary and extensive renovation in history.
Presiding over the House of Commons, Big Ben is not only the most iconic landmark on London’s skyline, but it is also a timeless piece of architecture that symbolises Britain’s democratic heritage. However, after more than a century of exposure to pollution and the elements, not to mention a near miss during the Blitz, Big Ben, or the Elizabeth Tower as it’s properly known, has been in dire need of repair. In 2017, the bells were silenced, and the world’s most famous clock tower was shrouded in scaffolding, to begin the process of restoring Big Ben to its original glory.
The unique access documentary Big Ben Restored: The Grand Unveiling goes behind the scaffolding to tell the extraordinary story of the six-year-renovation. Director of Landmark Trust Anna Keay bears witness to every step of the process. She meets the dedicated team of architects, engineers, historians, scientists, and master craftspeople who are tasked with stripping the tower down to its frame, then repairing or replacing every exquisite detail of this neo-Gothic masterpiece. In the process they discover exactly what Big Ben looked like when it was first built – and it’s a far cry from the sombre, black-painted tower we have known for so long.
Using innovative filming techniques and the finest story-telling skills, the documentary follows the restoration journey, visiting workshops across Britain as craftspeople trained in ancient skills – iron forgers, glass blowers, metal workers, stone masons, and gilders – labour to recreate the Victorian architects’ vision.
Big Ben Restored: The Grand Unveiling – Premiere – Wednesday, 22 March at 7.30pm on SBS and SBS on Demand
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