Conservation in action: Meroogal exterior painting 2025

At Meroogal, the ongoing conservation of the beautiful timber detailing of the Juliet balconies, the bargeboards and fascia boards of the gables, weatherboards and masonry chimneys requires specialist knowledge and skills. Works must be done with patience, sensitivity and care.

As part of its 2024–25 capital maintenance program, Museums of History NSW is undertaking painting works on the east and south facades of the house. Specialist painters will remove any damaged putty and lightly sand timber surfaces to prepare them for coats of oil paint that will seal the timber and brick, protecting them from decay. 

The paint will be applied with brushes, as it was originally done, covering every nook and cranny to prevent water seeping into the interior spaces, which hold significant finishes and collection items. It is estimated that the works will take four weeks to complete. During this time Meroogal will remain closed to visitors; please see our website for updates.