Issue 45 Feb 25 web - Flipbook - Page 102
Restoring the
stone of Exeter
College’s Jackson Library
Lewis Proudfoot, the Managing Director of Cliveden Conservation, provides insight into the
stonework elements of the restoration of the Exeter College Library, now named the Jackson Library.
Exeter College’s Jackson Library, designed and built
by the celebrated architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in
1856-7, is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Constructed from Bath stone, the compact and
well- proportioned building is resplendent with the golden
hue of the local limestone. The library boasts some beautiful stone detailing, from intricately carved window tracery, to figurative headstops and carved capitals that
decorate the arcade at first floor level. Work to clean and
repair the stonework, both inside and out, was therefore
an essential part of the extensive renovation of the library.
masonry team built a new solid masonry wall and arched
entrance to the link building between the annexe and the
library.
Preserving the historic stonework was a priority. Our first
task was to inspect the condition of the stone to the
library's main elevations. The roof level dormers and
gables were found to be in poor condition, which changed
the initial scope of works to focus more on utilitarian
masonry repairs instead of the decorative carved details.
The pressures of budget and programme meant that we
prioritised works to improve weathering protection by
repairing copings and stringcourse stones.
We were sub-contracted by Beard Construction to work
with the project team to help to design the scope of works
through a series of initial samples and trials to clean the
stone from years of accumulated dirt and biological soiling
outside, as well as dirt and historic paint finishes inside
the library itself.
We used a combination of ThermaTech steam cleaning
for the elevation stonework and poulticing to remove
sulphation and atmospheric soiling to the decorative and
carved elements. Other techniques used included latex
poulticing for the internal window traceries and painted
surfaces within the annexe and library. All works were
sensitively undertaken to ensure the stone was protected
and with minimal disturbance to the environment.
The scope of works also included the repair of masonry
details to the main elevations of the library, with replacement coping stones, ashlar and carvings. In addition, our
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