Conservation & Heritage Issue 49 October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 36
Earthborn Claypaint has a high clay content that
absorbs excess moisture and releases it freely through
the surface without impacting the fabric of the building.
This hygroscopic quality makes it different to many
conventional emulsions, which tend to seal walls and
trap moisture. “We only use the best and most suitable
products for the project we are working on”, Michael adds.
The ease of using Earthborn’s paint meant that the biggest
hurdle the team faced was access to the church’s high
ceilings without damaging its history. “The ceiling and
the high level walls needed a full platform scaffold, with
protection of the ancient pews, flagstone and clay tile
floor underneath. Artifacts also had to be carefully
protected, with lots of heavy scaffolding that needed to
be skillfully, precisely and expertly erected between the
unique pew cubicles”.
“Although there are some very prestigious projects the
judges need to consider, I believe that our project in a
small, ancient, local, rural village church, has a very good
chance of making the finals, because of all the traditional
skills that were involved in finishing such a sensitive and
delicate project”.
Earthborn Claypaint is an eco friendly, highly breathable
clay based emulsion that is virtually VOC free, odour free,
has no acrylics or oils making it ideal for historic properties
and newer eco-builds.
www.earthbornpaints.co.uk
www.msimmonds.co.uk
The colour Posset was chosen to enhance the natural
light in the church, Michael tells us “The client wanted
an alternative to white which they were worried may
appear too stark, Posset was the perfect choice as it’s not
too bright but still offers plenty of light. The warm yellow
tone of Posset also felt like a nice way to complement the
Limestone externally”.
The skillful renovations of St Martin’s Church project
have also been recognized by the PDA Professional
Decorating Association awards, with the team at M
Simmonds Decorating Contractors making the short list
alongside other projects ranging from lighthouses to The
Tower of London.
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