Restoration specialists Emily Swift-Jones and Joseph Atkinson have completed work on two spectacular projects.

The artists, who specialise in Venetian polished plaster, gilding and paint effects, managed the decoration of the new Queen's Galleries at Buckingham Palace, opened by the Queen in May to mark the jubilee.

The partners also worked on the bathrooms in Fife House in Lewes Crescent, Kemp Town, Brighton, which recently sold for £3 million.

Although they live in Brighton, Emily and Joseph found they rarely worked in the city until they started on Fife House. It was after completing that project they decided to move their company, Aurum Design, from London to Brighton.

The firm was started at the beginning of last year after the pair had collaborated on many projects.

Between them, they have worked on interiors for Harrods, Harvey Nichols, the Savoy Hotel, Donna Karan, Christians of Knightsbridge and Louis Vuitton.

The company's first project was to refurbish the Sandy Lanes Hotel in Barbados, one of the most opulent resorts in the world.

This was followed by their year-long contract with Buckingham Palace. Since then, they have focussed on work in Sussex Their skill can be seen in the exotic paint effects and gilding in the Marrakesh restaurant in Queen's Road, Brighton.

Emily said: "Joseph and I have spent most of our careers working in London or overseas and were delighted to finally turn Aurum's attention to our own city.

"There are so many opportunities and challenges with the sheer quantity of exciting building developments.

"There was a time when gilding and polished plaster was out of favour but there has been a resurgence. There are not many people with the right skills who can undertake the work so we expect to be in demand for some time."