Issue 47 JUNE - Flipbook - Page 12
appropriate preparation, Classidur Tradition—a breathable, matte-finish paint—was selected for redecoration,
ensuring longterm preservation.
washers for crack stabilisation. Fine cracks were filled with
a proprietary filler, while wider gaps used lime mortar.
Like the Great Hall, paint analysis helped determine
historically appropriate colour schemes and finishes.
Repainting was executed using a combination of airless
sprayers and bristle brushes to achieve fine detailing.
Traditional decorative techniques were employed to
restore joinery and painted finishes, enhancing the rooms’
historical ambiance.
Joinery and woodwork, including windows, panels, and
shutters, are being treated with traditional linseed
oil-based paints. Historical wood graining and glazing
techniques are being used to restore period-authentic
finishes.
South Wing Structural Works
The internal structural condition of the South Wing,
compromised by historic remodeling, presented another
major challenge. The first floor, supported by aged timber
beams and iron hangers, had deflected over time, impacting ceiling stability. Conservationists removed nearly 2
tonnes of debris above the ceilings to alleviate stress.
Long Gallery and Bedroom Conservation
The Long Gallery, with its Robert Wyatt-designed
panelled ceiling and acanthus motif decorations, received
particular attention. Restoration here included recasting
54 plaster elements, extensive paint research, and full
redecoration. Bedrooms 1–4 underwent ceiling crack
repairs using stainless steel fixings. Once structurally
sound, the rooms were repainted in alignment with paint
analysis findings, preserving their period integrity.
Key structural elements like King Post and hip trusses
were reinforced with steel straps. Where necessary,
primary beams were bolstered using mild steel parallel
flange channels (PFCs) securely bolted in place. Eight
stainless steel tension hangers were installed to enhance
load-bearing capacity. Floors and panelling were removed
and carefully reinstalled following reinforcement.
Conclusion
The Towneley Hall conservation project exemplifies best
practices in historic building preservation, combining
structural reinforcement with artful, historically accurate
restoration. Key interventions —from steel strapping
and wire rope reinforcements to detailed sculptural
plaster repairs—highlight the balance between modern
engineering solutions and traditional craftsmanship.
Regency Rooms Conservation
The Red and Green Regency Rooms contain highly
ornate ceilings featuring decorative plasterwork, including
a central Mercury roundel. Plaster analysis informed
repair approaches, which involved stainless steel screws and
Below, soft propping to support the ceiling during conservation
repair works
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