The face behind the Painted Hall

3:19pm Thursday 19th June 2008

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As Greenwich's Painted Hall approaches its 300th anniversary Kerry Ann Eustice finds out about the artist behind these amazing murals

Not even 300 years can dim the impact of entering the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich's Painted Hall. As you'd expect for Admiral Nelson's final resting place, the sheer scale, beauty and detail is overwhelming.

Which is why it's important to remember the achievement on the 300th anniversary of its completion this month.

The hall, painted by Sir James Thornhill in 1708 - in a trompe l'oeil (3D) style - has been labelled the UK's answer to the Sistine Chapel.

"Sir James Thornhill was Britain's greatest monumental history painter. He should be better known than he is."

Yet, Yeomen guide, Tony Wozencroft, informs me, Thornhill doesn't enjoy the level of recognition you'd expect from an artist of his calibre. And to reinforce this, during my tour, a visitor asks Tony "Who painted this?" Not a question you hear too often at the Sistine Chapel, no doubt.

"He was Britain's greatest monumental history painter," said Tony of Thornhill's talent. "He should be better known than he is. Along with St Paul's, the Painted Hall is classed as his greatest achievement.

"People do compare this with the Sistine Chapel," Tony added. "We've even had some people come here who say this is better."

Staring up at the Painted Hall's canopy it's clear to see why such a claim would be made.

Unlike it's Italian counterpart, the hall is a historical mural and features portraits of Queen Anne and George I and family alongside allegorical figures such as Neptune, Apollo and Minerva.

"We've even had some people come to the Painted Hall who say it is better than the Sistine Chapel."

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Old Royal Naval College's education team will be holding Thornhill's Treasures - a family art activity where visitors are tasked with creating a piece of treasure inspired by Thornhill's work. There will also be a treasure hunt to explore details of the hall.

"It's a good way to get children to identify with a 300-year old painting," said Tony of such activities.

"You can spend hours looking at and analysing the painting, that's why it still appeals after 300 years."

"You can spend hours looking at and analysing the painting, that's why it still appeals after 300 years."

Thornhill's Treasures, June 29. Drop in 12 to 3pm at the Painted Hall, Greenwich.

• Working in phases, it took Sir James Thornhill 19 years (1708 to 1727) to complete the Painted Hall

• The artist collaborated with Christopher Wren again when he painted St Paul's Cathedral's interior

• A keen architect, Thornhill unsuccessfully vied for the Kensington Palace design commission

• Last year 281,557 people visited the Painted Hall

• Thornhill made his mark on the baroque style by framing his work with balustrades and arches