The scaffold removal is now under way revealing some of the magnificently restored masonry as well as the new gilding to the orb and the fantastic new viewing gallery cage.
The Monument slowly comes back into view
One of the new black limestone steps is being diamond drilled so that the historic iron balusters can be re fitted into position
The diamond drilling to the new steps is in progress
The sweeping lines of the new viewing gallery are very evident. (The sheeting around the base is for protection and is only temporary)
The flowing curves of the gallery cage are clear but the effort in design and craftsmanship in manufacture are all too easy to overlook.
The electrician foreman Simon hard at work inside the Monument. Notice how the stainless steel conduits, boxes and fixings are all individually shaped to fit exactly the curvature of the internal walls.
Specialists carry out high quality welding high up in the drum area.
Some evidence of the historic graffiti found carved into the walls
Trying the new design armature brackets
Stonemason Ian marking out a stone inside the Monument
One of the stonemasons working on the treads The large fan is one of many used to remove the dust created during the works
Some of the old treads just prior to the installation of the new stone
