In an ambitious restoration project, UK studio HTA Design and Donald Insall Associates have revitalized the iconic 19th-century dinosaur sculptures in Crystal Palace Park, south London. These sculptures, hailed as the world’s first life-sized dinosaur models, have been painstakingly restored, helping to preserve the rich history captured in their concrete forms.
The project has led to the removal of these historical figures from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, a significant achievement marking a brighter future for the park. “Seeing the Dinosaurs’ removal from the Heritage at Risk Register is a major achievement and marks the start of a new chapter for the park,” says Natalia Roussou, HTA Design’s landscape design director.
The restoration not only focused on the dinosaurs but also revitalized the surrounding landscapes, including pathways, lakes, and a small waterfall, all set within the historic framework of the park after the Crystal Palace’s relocation in 1854.
According to Roussou, “The dinosaurs themselves were carefully restored, but just as importantly, so too have the relationships between them and the landscape setting.” This meticulous restoration saw missing elements reinstated through 3D printing and the sculptures repainted based on historic analyses.
This renovation is part of a broader effort by Bromley Council and Crystal Palace Park Trust to rejuvenate the park. Historic structures like the Grade II-listed Italian Terraces and the original Grand Centre Walk have also seen restoration, contributing to the park’s historic charm.
“Our three-layer design approach—restore, revitalise, and reimagine—aims to usher the park into a sustainable future while celebrating its unique history,” Roussou explains. This effort aligns with Joseph Paxton’s original vision of creating a space for education and entertainment.
New facilities, such as a visitor center and a playground influenced by the dinosaur models, have been added. The playground, featuring large skeletal structures designed by PlayEquip, draws inspiration directly from the prehistoric designs.
“By restoring the dinosaurs, we’ve reinforced their prehistoric story, turning Crystal Palace Park into a vibrant hub for learning and exploration,” Roussou adds. A pivoting bridge, crafted by Tonkin Liu, ensures easy access to the island where these storied sculptures are displayed.
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Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
Who restored the dinosaur sculptures in Crystal Palace Park?
The 19th-century dinosaur sculptures in Crystal Palace Park were restored by UK studio HTA Design and Donald Insall Associates.
Why were the dinosaur sculptures removed from the Heritage at Risk Register?
The restoration project revitalized the sculptures and surrounding landscapes, leading to their removal from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, marking a brighter future for the park.
What new facilities were added to Crystal Palace Park?
New facilities such as a visitor center and a playground influenced by the dinosaur models have been added, contributing to the park as a hub for learning and exploration.