Oriel College, Oxford

The hall at Oriel dates to the 1630’s, albeit still in Gothic style with a fine hammer beam roof. The panelling was replaced in the 1900’s by Ninian Comper with a fine carved frieze of gryphons entwined in foliage.

As part of the refurbishment of the hall Richard Griffiths was appointed to work with 5th Studio to review the decoration of the hall and proposed decoration of the whole of the frieze, which was previously only painted on the heraldic shields, in order to brighten the appearance of the hall, especially in the evening when the gilding reflects the new lighting with sparkling highlights. It also serves to make the carving more legible and therefore enjoyable.

The background to the frieze has been painted a dark red to set off the carving - green to the foliage and blue-grey to the gryphons. The highlights are gilded to catch the light.