'Brilliant' response to palace ceiling names appeal

Conservators at Blenheim Palace say they have been "wowed" by the response to their appeal to solve the mystery of decades-old graffiti.

About 11 names were found scribbled 67ft (20m) up in the Great Hall of the stately home in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, by art restorers working on paintings.

As well as being contacted by the grandson of one of the signatories, the team believe they have solved an "intriguing inscription".

Director of Opus Conservation Lizzie Woolley, who has been leading the year-long restoration programme, said: "The response to our call for help has been fantastic."

Ms Woodley said the "intriguing inscription" read: "F. R. Rainbow, 292 Abingdon Rd, Oxford, Vacuum cleaner, Feb 10th 1931."

She said this appears to refer to Frederick Rainbow, managing director of the Vacuum Cleaner & Transport Co.

"Later a removals firm called Rainbows operated from the same address," Ms Woodley said.

"If you look in Kelly's street directories, you'll find references to both companies."

The other mystery graffiti, which read: "These windows was (sic) varnished by G T Higgs 1921 Oxford", was also solved, thanks to an email from his grandson who lives in the USA.

Ray Higgs said: "GT Higgs (George Thomas Higgs), my grandfather started GT Higgs & Sons, and lived in Hayfield Road, Oxford.

"He was joined by my dad, Dudley Higgs and his brother John Higgs, who ran the business until 1971.

"They expanded from painting and decorating into building work, which included the flats located opposite the Oxford Motel in Wolvercote."

Ms Woodley added: "It's brilliant to find out more about some of the graffiti."

The restoration project was funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Blenheim Foundation.

The painting conservation work will run alongside a £12m roof restoration project.

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