Arguably the finest Baroque church in England, Christ Church is Hawksmoor's masterpiece, but by the 1960s its dilapidated condition led to the threat of demolition. Following a public outcry, a complete restoration began. The practice led the restoration of the derelict interior. The project entailed painstaking examination of the archaeological evidence - a few drawings, some contemporary accounts and some pieces of salvaged timber. The galleries, which had not survived, were reinstated and a new Purbeck marble floor was laid. The team's bravest decision was to paint the interior white. Though in keeping with the original decoration, this was a radical departure from the romantic, smog-blackened ruin the church had become. The courageous restoration was greeted with overwhelming support, winning many awards. The church is now a stunning place of worship and can be enjoyed as Hawksmoor intended for the first time in 140 years.