Parliament to collaborate with ITN Productions and Channel 4 on Big Ben documentary

ITN Productions' crew will be given unique access to both major events involving the Tower and to the experts and crafts people who will work to restore its full glory for a series of three programmes that will be broadcast on Channel 4.

The three year programme of works will begin in early 2017.  These works will:

• Repair problems identified with the Elizabeth Tower and the Great Clock, which cannot be rectified whilst the clock is in action
• Conserve significant elements of the Tower, as designed by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin
• Repair and redecorate the interior, renew the building services and carry out work to improve health and safety and fire prevention
• Increase energy efficiency to reduce the Tower's environmental impact

The Elizabeth Tower was designed by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin.  It was completed in 1856 and took 13 years to build.  All planned refurbishment works are designed to be appropriate to the age and significance of the building. One of the aims of the project is to conserve significant elements of the Tower, as is suitable for a World Heritage Site. 

ITN Productions' film crew will use innovative filming techniques in each of the documentaries to bring to life the sheer scale of the project and the unprecedented expertise employed to protect it – combining skills from the past with cutting edge modern techniques from the future.

The first programme, planned to be broadcast in 2017, will introduce audiences to the history of Big Ben, the people who work there and the current state of the world famous landmark – as well as the dedicated architects, engineers, clock makers, stonemasons and scaffolders who will lovingly repair it. Each of the three programmes will be broadcast as a landmark stage of each section of the conservation is completed 

Sir Paul Beresford, Chair of the House of Commons Administration Committee, said:

"We are looking forward to working with ITN Productions to document the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower, the most iconic building in the UK and an international symbol of democracy.  While the works will necessitate a temporary closure of the tower to visitors, we hope ITN's documentary will encourage more people than ever before to take an intimate look at the most beloved clock in the world.”

Will Smith, Head of Factual, ITN Productions, said:

"We're delighted to be working with the House of Commons to record the epic transformation of one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. We'll give Channel 4 viewers a front row seat as the scaffolding goes up on Big Ben and work begins to painstakingly restore and conserve the 157 year-old bell tower.”

Lizi Wootton, Commissioning Editor for Features, Channel 4, said:

“I am delighted to be working with ITN and the UK Parliament to witness the extraordinary restoration of one of the country's most important architectural and political landmarks. As the great clock reveals its secrets, the skill and craftsmanship of today and yesterday is going to be astonishing to watch."

Image: PC