11/04/2008 02:00:00
The Tower of London's oldest building, the White Tower, is set for a £2 million facelift in what is to be the biggest restoration work ever undertaken at the site.
The White Tower has been covered by a giant canvas, which will cover the façade of the building until work is completed in 2011 - the same year as the Tower's 225th birthday.
According to 24hourmuseum.org.uk, the drawing covering the giant canvas was created by St Albans artist Rydal Hanbury, and was decided by a competition held by Tower officials.
The drawing, realised at a size of 15m by 23m (50ft by 75ft), depicts a series of charcoal sketches of ravens, prisoners, armour and Beefeaters, the Telegraph states.
Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, the White Tower may be covered from the outside but visitors - two million of whom visit the Tower of London every year - will still be able to explore the interior.
Major general Keith Cima, Resident Governor of the Tower of London, said: "We look forward to delivering in 2012 a fully conserved and re-presented exterior to the White Tower, as a shining symbol of Britain for the London Olympiad and beyond."
The White Tower, a World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited attractions in London and is home to Henry VIII's royal arms and armour, as well as being as being at the centre of life at the Tower of London.
