ART enthusiasts can enjoy a rare close-up view of Greenwich’s stunning Painted Hall atop 11m high scaffolding.

The unique view of James Thornhill’s Baroque paintings – which have featured as a backdrop in several blockbusters including Pirates of The Caribbean 4 – will be available thanks to a major facelift to the West Wall of the 300-year-old hall.

Members of the public will be able to tour the scaffoldings and conservation work at the Old Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall from January 11 until the end of April.

The makeover – including restoring paint flaking, varnish blanching and water damage repairs - comes after a £335,000 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) cash boost.

Head of the HLF for London, Sue Bowers said:“We’re delighted to see the restoration of the West Wall get underway, and that the public will now be given the opportunity to get up close to the work as it reveals Sir James Thornhill’s painting in all its original glory.”

For more information about tours and events visit ornc.org/