premier construction heritage

Roma Publications

Volume 16 - Issue 4

Heritage Special Edition www.premierconstructionmagazine.co.ukÂ

Heritage

Contents PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Volume 16 • Issue 4

Dear readers, From a brief history of time, to home life with the ancient Romans.... from the lead body protecting England’s heritage to the craftsmen who restore it.....and the guardian’s of some of Britain’s finest historic gardens...Premier Construction’s Heritage Special has it all.

In this special supplement we take a look at horologists Smith of Derby - the company that has created and cares for some 5000 of the best known iconic and public time pieces across the country and further afield - from St Paul’s Cathedral to The Shanghai Customs House. Another port of call is the Roman Villa at Chedworth - where a project to bring to life the golden age of Roman Britain is underway.

Next, we’re off to take a close look at the latest news from English Heritage, as well as to view the work of the country’s leading restoration craftsmen such as Mason’s Mortar, who manufacture mortars and renders for the care and repair of historic buildings and contemporary architecture. Other heritage artisans in the spotlight include those skilled in the art and craft of fine leadwork - members of the Lead Contractor’s Association and the Lead Sheet Association.

Then it’s off to look at the ‘green scene’ and see how the The Association of Gardens Trusts is caring for the UK’s historic gardens and designed landscapes, and to consider the truth of Kipling’s statement that “The Glory of the Garden lies in more than meets the eye.”

As always, you can trust Premier Construction to keep you up to the minute on the very latest happenings on the UK Heritage scene - on time, every time!

Managing Director: Marcus Howarth Editor:

Lesley Coward

Production Manager: Kelsie Howarth Advert Co-ordinator: Nicola Owen

Published by:

Roma Publications Ltd.

t: 01706 719 972 f: 0845 458 4446 e: admin@romauk.net

Graphic Design by:

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Smith of Derby Ltd .............................................................................................4 Chedworth Roman Villa .....................................................................................6 English Heritage..................................................................................................8 Bell Restoration.................................................................................................10 Lead Contractors Association...........................................................................11 Lead Sheet Association.....................................................................................12 Masons Mortar...................................................................................................14 Traditional Lime Plastering...............................................................................16 Stained glass and leaded light windows.........................................................17 The Association of Gardens Trusts..................................................................18

www.premierconstructionmagazine.co.uk © Roma Publications Ltd. All contents are copyright. All rights are reserved. No part may be stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the publishers.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies however caused. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. the editorial policy and general layout of this publication are at the discretion of the publisher and no debate will be entered into. No responsibility can be accepted for illustrations, artwork or photographs whilst in transmission with the publishers or their agents unless a commitment is made in writing prior to the receipt of such terms.

Heritage

Time waits for no man!

There are few names in the world of grand horology that carry the reputation and heritage of Smith of Derby Limited.

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Our timepieces and creative engineering projects can be highly unusual, large or small.

Light at Royal Derby Hospital. Photographed by Tristan Poyser

The Company has created and care for some 5000 of the best known iconic and public timepieces across the country and further afield. From St Paul’s Cathedral to the Shanghai Customs House to the newly refurbished London St Pancras International Station, their pieces are enjoyed the world over.

company with the size and economy of scale to endure market fluctuations in their field. The Smith of Derby Group grew with the railways and in even earlier days, grew with the prosperity of faith and the construction of public and civic buildings across the World. “We have always worked internationally and that is a part of our work that we very much enjoy” says Betts.

Their greatest strength is in their understanding of restoration and conservation work. Skills are passed down from generation to generation, while the company in parallel, has kept pace with technology, material and practice developments.

As a part of the continuing process of evolution, we play a role in the integration of ‘Time’ in the built environment. Development and redevelopment of space is asking questions as to how people relate to, work in, live in and remember places.

Their Managing Director, Bob Betts proudly says “we care for and have the ability to span over 400 years of timekeeping technology. There is not much our team has not seen or experienced. Safe hands, certainly, for your most important restoration project”.

“Our timepieces and creative engineering projects can be highly unusual, large or small. Most of our work here is with developers, architects, designers and town planners. Pieces carry a high design content today as well as creative engineering content.

We design, fabricate and install”, says Betts.

An interesting and core skill of the company is their ability to work in partnership with specialist firms, architects and conservation parties. “This area demands a certain level of care and attention that frankly is above the norm” Betts continues..

Smith of Derby restored one of the most famous landmarks on the London skyline; the rotating globe on the roof of the Coliseum, shown on the opposite page. During a programme of careful restoration and redecoration, inside and outside of this wonderful building, our brief was to work with the client to restore the glove to its former glory. Through our experience in kinetic engineering, we have ensured the 4 metre diameter steel globe turns elegantly and consistently, casting a sparkle over London’s West End night life.

In liaison with English Heritage, the project at Woolwich Arsenal is a typical example of their work. The Woolwich Arsenal dates back to 1671 when it was established as an ordnance store and grew to employ over 72,000 people. The site gradually declined until the final departments closed in the early 90’s. The project to remove and restore the clock and dials from the former (Gun) Carriage department, was quite ordinary. However, towards the end of the development, an unfortunate and unrelated incident with a digger on site, brought the roof structure, including the clock turret, crashing down.

Smith of Derby used their site survey documentation and image library of both the internal and external structure, to enable a faithful reconstruction of the roof to be completed. The project looks splendid today and the company justifiably proud to have been involved.

“We recognise that working in partnership with individuals and organisations across the world is a part of our enduring success and those partnerships add skills and experience that can be critical” says Betts..

Important acquisitions through the years have created a

Another feature seen above has been commissioned to celebrate the opening of a new state of the art hospital. Smith of Derby’s core business within the Ecclesiastical and Heritage sector spans centuries as the images show.

We are usually successful in winning these commissions where the client or architect understands our expertise in design innovation, fabrication and problem solving and a cast iron reputation for successful implementation.

The Design process is collaborative and can be ‘in-house’ or working with world renowned creatives, interior designers or architects.

So, whether traditional public clock skills, conservation and restoration skills, or contemporary timepiece and public art feature work is demanded, Smith of Derby is able to help.

For more information go to www.smithofderby.com ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Heritage

Project does something for the Romans 6

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An exciting project to bring to life the ‘Golden Age’ of Roman Britain is underway at Chedworth Roman Villa in Yanworth, Cheltenham, involving a programme of works to revitalise the historic site.

The villa, owned by The National Trust, is one of the largest Romano-British villas in the country and the second most visited domestic Roman site in the UK. It features a wide variety of in-situ features including exceptional mosaics, and is a site of international significance as a visitor attraction. Although, Chedworth receives 50,000 visitors a year, facilities for the public were in need of improvement and many of the key remains were not accessible.

Over the summer of 2010, an archaeologist uncovered a new splendid display of mosaics that have never before been seen by the public.

The fragile remains faced an uncertain future, with the site’s Victorian shelters failing to protect them against adverse environmental conditions.

The visitor facilities also failed to meet modern expectations with no permanent catering facility, outdated interpretation and an array of temporary structures including a canvas tea room and a small ‘shed’ for educational visits.

All of these failings are being addressed in the project which has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The development includes the construction of a new conservation shelter, a new education centre and the upgrading of the existing reception building, with these works being carried out by CS Williams Ltd of Taunton, Somerset.

Architects are Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios; Structural Engineers are Integrated Engineering Design; Mechanical and Electrical Engineers are E3 Consulting Engineers and Quantity Surveyors are Mildrew Howells & Company.

The new conservation shelter is being built on the original foundations of the west range of the villa, which contains the majority of the mosaics to provide a stable and controlled conservation environment ensuring that the archaeology can be preserved, while maintaining and improving the access.

A suspended walkway will take visitors through the entire wing, getting much closer to the mosaics, including the newly uncovered mosaics.

The new building is a single storey Glulam structure wrapped in a singly ply membrane and clad in a timber battened rainscreen skin. The structure incorporates aluminium curtain walling and sliding timber solar control screens with external elevations in timber battons, incorporating wooden framed windows, sliding aluminium framed screens at the entrance and a membrane roof, also covered in timber battons.

“We had to lay a huge amount of protection over the mosaics - much of which are built over a Roman hypocaust underfloor heating system. This involved the laying of around 200 mm of protection with a layer of plywood over that to protect the remains below. In addition we are not normally allowed to walk over the protected surface” said Cliff Watts, CS Williams Contracts Manager.

He added that the scheme is being carried out under a temporary roof until the final structure is in place, with dry trades being favoured wherever possible, together with the maximum amount of off-site prefabrication in order to avoid damage to any of the remains.

A new learning centre/interpretation building is also being constructed to provide a comfortable space for a class of 30 children, lifting the restrictions imposed by the existing facilities and allowing a wider, more inclusive range of activities to take place.

The education building prvides a full height education space and facilities and is constructed using roof trusses from the dismantled Victorian shelters, providing continuity with the site’s most recent past. The structure is clad in timber and slate with aluminium framed timber clad windows affording views across the wooded hillside in which it is firmly embedded.

Internally the building will comprise an open space auditorium and a plant room and is being built into the hillside with external

elevations in wood and wooden framed windows.

The roof trusses of the Victorian shelters’ frames was dismantled and is being re-used for the learning centre roof, providing continuity with the site’s more recent past.

The upgrading of the site’s existing reception building comprises refurbishment, reconfiguration of the original shop and reception area and the creation of a new tea room.

All of the works are being carried out with the villa remaining open to the public, with visitors being encouraged to come and see what is happening, with temporary exhibitions and guided tours explaining the work in progress.

The scheme is currently progressing well. “The client and design team are excellent to work with. On a scheme such as this it is important to ensure that the sub contractors are willing to go along with all the specialist demands of this type of project and also to be able to engage with the public who are observing the works underway” said Mr Watts.

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Heritage

Ensuring a bright future for the past English Heritage exists to protect and promote England’s spectacular historic environment and ensure that its past is researched and understood.

English Heritage is the government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment. Officially known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, English Heritage is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The powers and responsibilities of English Heritage are set out in the National Heritage Act (1983) and today they report to Parliament through the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Although sponsored by DCMS, English Heritage works with a range of government departments, notably CLG and Defra, to help realise the potential of the historic environment.

English Heritage is funded in part by the government, and is also part funded from revenue earned from their historic properties and other services.

English Heritage works in partnership with central government departments, local authorities, voluntary bodies and the private

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sector to conserve and enhance the historic environment, broaden public access to the heritage and increase people’s understanding of the past.

The organisation meets these responsibilities by: acting as a national and international champion for the heritage; giving grants for the conservation of historic buildings, monuments and landscapes; maintaining registers of England’s most significant historic buildings, monuments and landscapes; and advising on the preservation of the historic environment.

English Heritage also encourages broader public involvement with the heritage, promotes heritage-related education and research, cares for Stonehenge and over 400 other historic properties on behalf of the nation, maintains the National Monuments Record as the public archive of the heritage and generates income for the benefit of the historic environment.

English Heritage is currently running a five-year investment programme for its properties. Based on an audit of all the organisation’s properties, £30m is being targeted at those sites with the most commercial potential, in order to make as many sites as possible self-financing.

In the construction sector, English Heritage has joined forces with ConstructionSkills to call for concerted action across the construction industry, the built heritage sector, educational establishments, careers organisations, funding bodies and government departments to tackle the continued shortage of heritage building skills.

English Heritage has also published research demonstrating the shortage of craft skills across the country and a Skills Action Plan which they are now implementing. This includes raising the profile of vocational training and the built heritage construction sector and attracting more young people to pursue careers within it.

The plan is also geared towards encouraging the use of suitably skilled and qualified people, and developing qualifications to ensure that traditional building knowledge and skills can be attained from GCSE to Master Craft level.

Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk

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Heritage Construction News

Call our news team on 01706 719972

Unique conservation expertise rings true with English Heritage A leading authority on church bell restoration, John Taylor & Co. - owners of the world’s biggest and best equipped bell foundry in Loughborough - offer unique expertise in obtaining the special planning permission required for many church bell restoration projects, working in close consultation with English Heritage, whose consent is required for almost every one.

Church of England church bell restoration and repair projects are subject to special ecclesiastical planning permission procedures under the Church of England Faculty Jurisdiction system - and are not governed by local authorities. Under the Faculty Jurisdiction System, an application for permission to restore church bells will be made by a church to their relevant Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), who will then pass the application on to a Diocesan Court, whose approval (known as a Faculty), is required in order for work to commence. This process of obtaining planning permission almost always involves consultation with English Heritage - one of the statutory bodies involved in giving consent for bell restoration - and it is here that John Taylor & Company can offer the benefit of their consultative expertise built up through many past projects.

Since 1784 the business of John Taylor & Co. has been in the hands of the Taylor family. In

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1839 the business settled in Loughborough and centuries of experience, together with up-to-the minute advances in technology, has put Taylors at the forefront in the restoration as well as the design and manufacture of bells, their fittings and frameworks.

English Heritage has recently changed their focus on bell restoration projects, preferring the repair of original bell fixtures and fittings such as wooden frameworks rather than the installation of new replacements. John Taylor & Co specialise in this type of conservation, carrying out restoration work which meets English Heritage requirements to make the best of original materials - yet still producing a solution which will have a projected life of over 100 years.

Taylors carry out the restoration of wrought iron fittings, strapwork and clappers, whilst their well equipped timber and joinery division can expertly restore timber framework.

This expertise is much in demand - and is demonstrated through such projects as one at Charlton Adam in Somerset, where Taylors successfully carried out significant church bell restoration, including the construction of a

www.romauk.net

new steel bell frame around the original wooden one.

In a project involving the restoration of a historic bell at Molash, Kent, old fittings were specially sourced in order to make the conservation work as historically authentic as possible.

Many old bells have never been scientifically tuned, and Taylors have mastered the art of re-tuning bells scientifically on a vertical lathe.

In the case of restoring very old bells dating back 300 or 400 years, English Heritage have imposed restrictions on re-tuning. However Taylors have significant experience in successfully making a case to allow for the modest corrective re-tuning of even these bells to create a better sound.

What’s The Point?

2009 - the major players in the Heritage Sector of the construction industry challenged contractors to sign up for an initiative which would spell the end of unqualified, inappropriately skilled contractors working on national heritage sites.

2010 - the members of the Lead Contractors Association (LCA) rose to that challenge and more than 300 signed up (at a cost) to be recognised as Heritage Skills Specialist Leadworkers and receive the newly conceived CSCS card, believing the major client base involved would be approving exclusive use of this carded workforce on heritage projects.

April 2011 - we are still waiting for a commitment to this quality standard initiative from the sector’s major client group – English Heritage.

Whilst all the right supportive noises have been made at various senior levels within EH, what has been the biggest push in recent times for meaningful recognition of the heritage specialist is in danger of failing because of prevarication by the organisation that stands to benefit the most.

The problems at English Heritage have been widely documented, with the national economic crisis requiring drastic cut backs in the public funding of EH budgets, threatening widespread redundancies at all levels.

Of course this is a painful and difficult time for many organisations and businesses, including English Heritage, but also including all those contractors, suppliers and manufacturers involved in UK construction.

The National Heritage Training Group has been supported by ConstructionSkills, UNITE the Union and the NHTG member craft organisations in rapidly developing the Heritage Skills CSCS card initiative.

Once again, specialist leadwork has been at the fore as the craft which has succeeded in rapidly achieving the required “critical mass” of qualified cardholders registered for heritage work and is now being used as a test case in challenging English Heritage to make their own commitment to quality standards.

The NHTG, flanked by UNITE and the Lead Contractors Association is seeking urgent talks with EH at the highest levels to persuade them to ACT NOW to announce a change in procurement policy to exclusively use Heritage Skills Specialist Leadwork CSCS cardholders on English Heritage projects and thereby: • •

• •

•

•

Recognise the overall commitment of the craft sector to maintaining quality standards Recognise the specific commitment of the specialist leadwork sector in rapidly achieving a critical mass of registered contractors Send a message to all craft trades that supporting this initiative will be a worthwhile and justified commitment Remove the threat of untrained, unqualified, inexperienced and insufficiently knowledgeable tradesmen from vulnerable heritage projects Prioritise historically correct working practices and long term value for money over short term, cut price expediency Protect and preserve today’s heritage for future generations

Despite our frustrations, the LCA believe EH will eventually do the right thing, perhaps simply because any alternative course will put the integrity of the entire heritage sector at risk.

The ground is therefore already being prepared for those that did not register for the Heritage Skills card during the “grandfather rights” window which closed in September 2010, yet may have skilled and experienced craftsmen who will be prevented from working on heritage sites.

In conjunction with the Lead Sheet Association, the LCA are pressing Construction Skills to recognise an Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) route to gaining a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification in Heritage Skills which would then enable contractors to apply for their Heritage Skills CSCS card.

As well as providing the EWPA assessment venue, Nigel Johnston at the LSA is also exploring the potential for providing an on site facility for the “Health & Safety – Working at Heights” test, thus providing a more convenient single venue to process applicants and minimise the time lost from site.

The standards of the leadwork sector – our years of policing, quality control, comprehensive reference literature and technical support – are the envy of every other roofing trade, but it comes at a long term price, both financially and in terms of commitment.

There is a very real danger that if this craft skills initiative stalls, we risk the prospect of our built heritage being vandalised and iconic buildings such as the dome at St Pauls being covered in a lead sheet look-alike in the future because all the traditional lead craftsmen have disappeared.

There is also the danger that when English Heritage and others next seek support from contractors for future important “initiatives” they risk being met with a simple response.

“What’s the point?”

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Heritage

Lead: key to our nation’s heritage

By the Lead Sheet Association’s general manager Nigel Johnston

Nigel Johnston It comes as no surprise that lead is one of the key materials when considering heritage and conservation issues.

One of the oldest and most durable building materials, lead sheet to BS EN 12588: 2006 outlives any alternative building materials and has seen many of these come and go over the centuries.

The Lead Sheet Association (LSA), together with the Lead Contractors Association (LCA), has been one of the key supporters of major legislation to protect the nation’s heritage.

From developing and running training programmes which develop the necessary skills in heritage and conservation work, to the wholehearted support of the initiative at its inception, the LSA has pledged to back any plans that will conserve pre-1919 buildings and structures in England.

Following a memorandum in early 2009, which was developed

by ConstructionSkills, English Heritage and the National Heritage Training Group in consultation with the Parliamentary Arts and Heritage Group, a number of pro-conservation initiatives were agreed.

One of these was to introduce a new Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) heritage skills and professional qualified person’s card for people working on built heritage projects and sites, so that they could demonstrate competency in their specialist area and in health and safety awareness.

And from 2010, organisations providing funding and grant aid for historic projects have had to insist that craftspeople hold their appropriate CSCS heritage skills card before they can carry out work on grant-aided projects.

Until September 2010, leadworkers were able to obtain the CSCS leadworker heritage skills card through the managed industry accreditation/grandfather rights process.

Since then, leadworkers applying for their CSCS card must have the new Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF) diploma in leadwork.

Several of the LSA’s training courses have played an important role in making sure that leadworkers are equipped to work on

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old buildings with specific repair requirements. One aspiring heritage leadworker was able to pursue his career hopes, thanks to the LSA, Lincoln Cathedral and the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme.

Wez Blyth was funded for a 12-month placement in the works department of Lincoln Cathedral, which included block-release training at the LSA’s training centre in East Peckham, Kent.

He received a £15,000 bursary, which was largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (£1,400,000) and partners, English Heritage, The National Trust, Cadw, ConstructionSkills and the National Heritage Training Group. This bursary supported him while he learned his skills on a full-time basis at the cathedral.

Block release training on the City & Guilds 6065 course at the LSA‘s training centre enabled Wez to focus on specialist activities using various simulated rigs. This prepared him for the various tasks that he would encounter at the cathedral, which he could use to help him generate a portfolio of evidence that would count towards the heritage leadwork QCF diploma.

“The LSA’s Nigel Johnston and Simon Wood were extremely supportive, showing me many different methods and make learning my new skills interesting,” said Wez. In 2010 the LSA launched its heritage specialist apprenticeship programme (SAP) in leadwork, which leads to the QCF diploma in leadwork.

It is aimed at leadworkers with an existing NVQ Level 2 in lead, or alternatively, individuals who can provide knowledge and competence at Level 2.

‘On-the-job training: Wez learns his skills under the watchful eye of Tony Greensmith of Lincoln Cathedral’

Accomplished roofer in roof slating, tiling and leadwork, with the qualifications to prove it, 30-year-old Matthew French jumped at the chance to gain this extra qualification by returning to the LSA’s training centre.

“When I heard about the new heritage SAP I was keen to enrol, as the training will further my skills and confidence to work on bigger and better jobs,” he explained.

“The QCF diploma will really help us to show a competitive edge when going for those sought-after heritage and conservation jobs.”

To find out about heritage training in leadwork and possible funding, please contact the LSA on 01622 872432 or visit the website at www.leadsheet.co.uk.

The Lead Sheet Association The British Lead Manufacturers Association (Management) Ltd was set up in 1926 and became the Lead Sheet Association Limited (LSA) in 1994. Affiliated to the Lead Development Association and the Lead Contractors Association, the LSA promotes the use of lead as a product and facilitates marketing, training and technical advice.

United front: LSA backs initiative to protect nation’s heritage ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Getting the perfect match Bespoke colour matching to suit your requirements When Masons Mortar was first established some 22 years ago, we effectively reintroduced building limes and lime mortars back into the Scottish Building industry.

Stone repair materials supplied for Perigueux Cathedral, France

Focus on . . .

Colour matching Masons Mortar Ltd is the only traditional materials manufacturer in the UK offering a predictive colour matching service for its products.

We can provide this matching service for dry bagged renders, pointing & building mortars, stone repairs and lime wash & lime paints. This is perfect for those wishing to faithfully re-create original finishes, or for clients looking for bespoke solutions.

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Our business started out as Building Limes Suppliers and Mortar Manufacturers. We were ahead of our time back then - when others were supplying individual components, we were producing ready mixed bagged materials that provided our customers with all they needed to carry out their work successfully with minimum fuss or difficulty.

matching with a premier Scottish University. We now have the most sophisticated colour matching system available anywhere for predictive matching on natural stone, render, mortar, lime wash and lime paints. In addition we have continued to expand and update our equipment for the mortar manufacturing side of the business.

The building conservation industry was a relatively fledgling element of the general restoration and repair market. Our core aims and objectives, indeed our company policy, was to provide materials and advice for the care and repair of our built heritage.

We never believed that ‘close enough was good enough’ and set out to differentiate ourselves from all other suppliers in our industry. We achieved this through our approach to customer requirements, providing information and advice for architects, builders and their clients alike, including publication of simple but concise guides, seminars and training days. That has not changed, however, in the last 10 years or so with a plethora of television programs and innumerable web based articles freely available for downloading along with word of mouth, has resulted in a much wider spectrum of people now seeking out our materials and advice either through the course of their contracts or in advance at the specification stage.

In parallel to developing the colour matching service we have also introduce a wide range of repair products, particularly for natural stone and cast architectural masonry that not only matches in colour and texture, but performs at a technical level that sustains our original goal of providing materials that are fit for purpose.

We now have the most sophisticated colour matching system available anywhere for predictive matching on natural stone, render, mortar, lime wash and lime paints.

Masons Mortar Ltd has continued to develop and expand the materials and products we offer to meet this every growing market. We recognised at a very early stage the importance of matching materials, both on a technical performance level and on colour and texture, in the early days this was all laboriously worked though with sample mixes and trials.

It became obvious to us that what was needed was a faster more sophisticated approach and so we embarked on a three year research and development program for predictive colour PREMIER CONSTRUCTION

Initially our core business was the conservation, repair and maintenance side of the building industry with special attention and focus on the nation’s historic building stock. Today, due to the significant technological advances we have made in colour matching and our continued investment in production equipment and development of diverse repair materials, our business is rapidly growing through reputation into much wider fields.

Mason Mortar Ltd now supply repair materials, colour matched for everything from all types of Natural Stone, Brick, Cast Concrete and Glass Reinforced Cement panels. We manufacture specialist Grouts suitable for consolidation of masonry of all kinds, to grouts that can be used under water.

We have also expanded into sophisticated renders to match masonry finishes. As an ISO 9001 accredited company for manufacturing of mortars and colour matching, we continually monitor and strive to improve our quality control & production processes.

For businesses to succeed in this difficult market we all find ourselves in, customer satisfaction is paramount. Our philosophy has not changed and never will. We are passionate about delivering a great service to all of our customers, tailoring products and services to suit their individual needs. At the forefront of this commitment is our team. From our production colleagues, sales & technical support staff, Masons Mortar Ltd is dedicated to meeting your needs, just as we did when we first introduced our building limes and lime mortars to Scotland nearly a quarter of a century ago.

Buy online at:

www.masonsmortarshop.com Key facts . . .

• Masons Mortar established

by Douglas Johnston in 1989 in Leith, Edinburgh • Business growth in 1990’s fueled by wider education and training • Development and early testing of Colour Matching technology in 2003 • Masons Mortar website launches in 2004, full of useful information, hints & tips • Expanded range of limes in 2004 from France, Germany and Portugal • Focus on quality control led to ISO 9001 registration in 2005 • ‘Mix & Go’ pre-mixed lime mortars launched in Summer 2005 • Ambitious growth plans underpinned with the re-branding of Masons Mortar • 2008 sees Masons Mortar ‘online’ with launch of online store at www.masonsmortarshop.com

Manufacturers of mortars and renders for the care and repair of historic buildings and contemporary architecture Established in 1989 we have been manufacturing and supplying quality lime products for the care and conservation of historic buildings for over 20 years.

Masons Mortar Ltd stock the widest range of building limes of any supplier in the UK with 8 natural hydraulic limes, natural cement, lime putty and quicklime. With the addition of our new build lime binders, we have building limes to suit almost every building requirement.

This is supported by the largest quarry database (over 400 sands and aggregates) of any traditional building material supplier in the UK.

In addition, we have developed our own unique pigment based colour matching service combining the latest technology with more than 4 years of research and development. This enables us to provide predictive matching for virtually any masonry repair material or mortar.

We can colour match lime wash, lime paint, pointing & building mortars, renders and Lithomex stone repair mortar.

Masons Mortar Ltd has sourced this wide range of materials to ensure the best possible match for historic mortars, perhaps anywhere in the world.

At Masons Mortar Ltd we are committed to quality and standards.

We are an ISO 9001 registered company and are continually looking at ways to improve our products and services for our customers. We were the first to introduce minimum relative bulk densities for our lime putty and the first to re-introduce ‘Hot Lime Mortar’. We have participated in 3 significant lime mortar research projects and operate and manage the Experimental Lime Kiln in Charlestown in Fife.

Training & consultancy

Materials

Colour matching

Modern construction

With the benefit of 20 years experience in the industry, we offer advice, training and consultancy services to our customers all year round. Whether it is a comprehensive site visit or an informal training session to brush up your skills, we want to equip you with the knowledge and support to succeed.

Course details are available at www.masonsmortarshop.com Alternatively, why not discuss your requirements with one of our advisors at our Edinburgh and Fife branches. There’s no need to book an appointment, just pop in and we’ll do our best to help!

With the aim of being a ‘one stop shop’ for traditional building materials, we have over 350 products to select from, most available from stock. Add to this our capacity to manufacture custom mortars, renders, grouts and plasters and there is almost no limit to what can be produced. We can manufacture materials from a specification or we can arrange for samples to be analysed, allowing Masons Mortar to faithfully re-produce materials very similar to those originally used. With over 400 mortar samples to choose from, let us show you what is possible.

Masons Mortar Ltd is the only traditional materials manufacturer in the UK offering a predictive colour matching service for its products. We take the finest raw materials and use modern technology to give our customers custom coloured materials.

We can provide this matching service for dry bagged renders, pointing & building mortars, stone repairs and lime wash & lime paints. This is perfect for those wishing to faithfully re-create original finishes, or for clients looking for bespoke solutions.

We are constantly striving to improve and expand our product range. We have collaborated with specialist manufacturers from across Europe to bring you a range of lime based materials that are specifically formulated for modern construction and application. We stock multi-use lime binders through to coloured one coat renders which can be mechanically applied. Formulated to provide consistent results on various backgrounds, these materials can save you time and money and allow fantastic finishes to be achieved.

Our services . . .

Masons Mortar offer a wide variety of products and services including: • One stop shop for traditional materials • One coat coloured lime renders and plasters • Widest range of natural limes in the UK • Exclusive colour matching service • Building consultancy • Multi-use lime binders for new build • Training and on-site support • Online shop • Delivery throughout the UK • Mixers, tools and accessories • ‘Mix & Go’ dry bagged mortars

Edinburgh 77 Salamander Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7JZ Tel: 0131 555 0503 Glasgow

Unit 1 Woodville Court, Woodville Street, Ibrox G51 2LR Tel: 0141 445 4812

Fife

Merryhill Steading, Charlestown KY11 3DR Tel: 01383 873 049

Email: sales@masonsmortar.co.uk Web: www.masonsmortar.co.uk Buy online at: www.masonsmortarshop.com ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Heritage

Traditional methods for traditional buildings When people began plastering, approximately 14,000 years ago, those professionals knew exactly what our professionals know now; from its early forms using earth plasters to slaked lime putties - a successful new plaster or repair project depends on an understanding of the materials and the science behind them.

Lime, as a plaster-render material and mortar, has its roots in the Middle East and can be traced back 140 centuries to northern Jordan. Indeed the plasterers tools used then remain the same to this very day. The earliest plastering which has survived shows great skill and excels in its composition compared to modern day materials. In Europe, historic plaster work denotes lime plaster from very early Greek and Roman times. We know of the existence of perfect plaster work in Greece dating from about five hundred years before the Christian era. In Britain, earth plasters ‘daub’ were used predominately during this period, amazingly up to 1900 commonly used repair ancient timber framed buildings still remain.

Today, traditional lime plastering is seen as a specialist method predominantly associated with buildings dating pre 1919, which require original methods to ensure they can be brought back to life using a consistent process.

The greatest advantage of using traditional lime plastering on older structures is the flexibility it gives dated buildings by allowing them to move without the damage that could be suffered by modern, more rigid materials. Traditional lime plastering also promotes breathing ability in buildings and allows the passage of moisture through the walls in contrast to modern materials that trap moisture within walls and, consequently, damage the timber frame structures.

“Old buildings tend to be of a structure that moves slightly”, Marc Delea, from MD Plastering, specialists in traditional lime methods, commented. “If you then put modern rigid plastering on top of this, the building will move and cracks will form which will allow water to seep in and problems such as rotting and damp are likely to appear”.

This traditional method uses time-honoured materials such as horse hair, animal hair, straw, earth plasters and, of course, lime.

Slaked lime putty is unlike other cement and plasters that regularly have a chemical reaction when mixed with water and set hard. In contrast to this, lime putty undergoes a lime cycle through which it sets by absorbing oxygen, crystallising, and then returning to its original rock form.

Limestone is taken from the rock and then powdered down before being added to water, when it then undergoes a chemical reaction, which turns it into putty which is then mixed with sand and hair. Once the plaster form is then applied to a structure, it begins to absorb the oxygen and crystallises back to its original rock state.

It is then decorated using a lime wash which comprises watered down lime putty with pigment in it. This is washed over the plaster through which water evaporates leaving the pigment on the plaster with the putty.

Despite new technology, modern methods and quicker

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processes constantly coming through the industry, the requirement for traditional lime plastering has not dissipated.

“On a lot of listed buildings you simply cannot use modern day materials because it would cause a bad reaction”, Marc Delea said. “As soon as modern day materials are used on an old building, the house is no longer compatible with what was originally there. You spoil the fundamental building design and create potential structural problems”.

“There are also only a few companies that have a reputation for working on historic buildings”, Marc Delea added, “and clients who require the use of traditional lime plastering seek out these specialist companies to complete the works. Companies or individuals tend to specialise in traditional lime plastering for their love of old buildings and because of a desire to preserve the old fashioned ways”, Marc Delea said. “We try to replicate how plastering was originally done and conserve beautiful buildings that the public enjoy all around the country”.

Stained Glass & Other Starring Roles Stained glass and leaded light windows are specialist products but do not exist alone in any setting. There are other associated trades and materials that are often required to make a window function usefully. The main supporting role is played by metal.

LEAD The use of metal products is very important if a window is going to last. Lead is the most obvious and the ‘H’ sections used for assembling a leaded window can be of various sizes and profiles, depending on the thickness of the glass and the design of the window. A length of lead is called a ‘calme’ and is derived from the Latin word ‘calamus’, meaning a reed. Lead calmes were originally made by lining up reeds in a shallow box and molten lead poured over them, resulting in lengths of lead with a groove along each side into which the glass would fit.

Now, lead is milled or extruded which is both quicker and more precise. This lead is capable of lasting for an average of 150 years depending on weather exposure and support systems such as glazing bars.

now in such poor condition that they need protecting from the elements if they are to survive. The pitting and white spotting usually seen on the outside of this glass are caused by chemicals leaching out of the glass in exchange with chemicals from the atmosphere mixed with water. To prevent this, the glass has to be protected from the rain on the outside and from condensation forming on the inside.

To achieve this, the glass has to be removed, protective glazing fitted in its place and the delicate glass reinstated forward by an inch or so and ventilated to the inside of the building. For entire windows, the ancient glass can be fitted into manganese bronze frames and fixed to the inside of the mullions, leaving the protective glazing (glass, polycarbonate, laminated or toughened glass or simple leaded lights) to bear the brunt of the weather. This can also be carried out for the benefit of individual pieces of glass which can be fixed proud of its supporting glazing, leaving an air gap between it and its protective glazing.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS Without the support from glazing bars, a leaded window would sag and distort under its own weight. Simple internal glazing bars have replaced much of the external ‘ferramenta’ over the years but this has been halted by the efforts of conservation practices. The external ferramenta is a system of horizontal ‘saddle bars’ which are shaped to slot over vertical ‘stanchions’.

Copper tie wires soldered to the glazing are then twisted around these, holding the glazing in place. Made of iron, these external bars are prone to rust within the stone but can be retained by ‘tipping’. This involves cropping off the ends of the bars then welding on a non-ferrous metal of the same sized section.

Stone damage caused by rusting bars

Whilst condensation plagues the supporting diamond patterned leaded glazing, the ancient glass roundel remains dry.

Tipped, painted and ready for installation

CASEMENTS & HOPPERS Again, being made of ferrous metals, these are prone to rusting and require overhauling to keep in working order. Due to our churches being under ventilated, many have had new opening casements installed. These can be made of mild or stainless steel or other non-ferrous metals and painted or powder coated.

Various mechanisms and pulley systems can be used to operate them as some will require operation from ground level while the window is 25’ up in the clerestorey.

ISOTHERMAL GLAZING The rare pieces of mediæval glass found in our churches are ROMA PUBLICATIONS

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Heritage

Conserving England’s green ‘thinking spaces’ Caring for England’s historic gardens and designed landscapes, The Association of Gardens Trusts (AGT) consists of 35 County Gardens Trusts (CGTs) from all over England, and is affiliated to the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust.

As a national charity, the association’s focus is on promoting the enjoyment of gardens and parks to the general public.

The association learns about garden heritage and designed landscapes, engages in conservation, planning and garden research, and encourages gardens in schools.

“Our England is a garden that is full of stately views, of borders, beds and shrubberies and lawns and avenues, with statues on the terraces and peacocks strutting by but the Glory of the Garden lies in more than meets the eye.”

Rudyard Kipling’s familiar verse is as good a starting point as any to convey the purpose of the Association of Gardens Trusts (AGT). The vision and strength of this unifying organisation comes together to conserve the country’s ‘thinking’ spaces.

The AGT is a national charity, underpinned by volunteers, working to prevent further loss or corrosion of specially designed green living spaces that imbue a sense of our past while we survey the present.

But the association feels that there has to be more than nurture and enjoyment - we have to think about the future. This far too

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crowded island is under ever-increasing pressure from building development and motorways.

Hence, since being founded in 1993, the AGT has been working closely in association with 10 branches of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust, and in partnership and cross-fertilisation with a range of like-minded garden heritage groups, especially English Heritage, the National Trust, the Garden History Society, and the Garden Museum, but also Green Space, Historic Houses Association, CABE, NADFAS, the Heritage Alliance (formerly Heritage Link) and the Woodland Trust.

Old landscapes and gardens are spaces with a special sense of place and narratives of the taste and ambitions of individuals, reflecting layers of family history, often over centuries.

Gardens offer more than aesthetic pleasure, adding to the visually enjoyable and often scented experience by engaging the mind with a much-rewarding fourth dimension: understanding the context of a garden, landscape or park.

AGT President, Gilly Drummond is fond of pointing out: “Gardens are tellers of tales; the skills of the designer allow the tale to be heard.” If you are interested to learn about the design development of gardens, she says, you may then begin to read them like a book, even if some of the pages are missing.

Recently, as a trustee for the Chiswick House and Park Trust seeking planning permission for a huge £12 million regeneration

project, Gilly transported a group of Hounslow councillors by coach down to the outskirts of Swindon to view progress on the Lydiard Park project, to appreciate with their own eyes just what could be achieved.

Consequently, those councillors who visited Lydiard supported the Chiswick bid, including restoration of the walled garden. Those who had not taken the trip were noticeably ‘less enthusiastic’.

The AGT works to ‘make a difference’ in conservation: by organising friendly, enlightening annual conferences for county gardens trusts delegates to learn about and explore the wealthy mix of gardens and parks, and their designers, in diverse areas of the country; by emphasizing special events by suggesting issues and recommending speakers for major conferences, regional workshops and study days; by informing and advising county gardens trust committees and members with website, papers and e-newsletters, by forwarding planning applications and, lastly by arranging insurance cover with modest premiums.

The AGT responds to government initiatives, sometimes questions and challenges planning issues, but, perhaps above all, is committed to encouraging schemes to pass on valuable gardening skills and knowledge in schools and adult education and enable teachers and planners with local research. Hence the AGT supported the first phase of the unique online Parks and Gardens database www.parksandgardens.ac.uk and is now working towards expansion in a second development phase.

Encouraged that the County Gardens Trust movement has now come of age, the AGT team is determined to continue to support this valuable, pleasantly open, grassroots network.

Rather like the vine and its fruit-bearing branches, the AGT is only as good and as responsive as its committed volunteers.

The ongoing work of these impassioned county gardens trust members goes largely unsung like seeds sewn on the Solent wind carried to evergreen landscapes and gardens from Cornwall to Northumberland.

9 College Hill Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1LZ Tel: 01743 233961 also at

The Studio Farm Lodge Leighton, Welshpool Powys, SY21 8HJ Tel: 01938 555895 info@lingardstyles.co.uk www.lingardstyles.co.uk  Historic landscapes.  Landscape design and management.  Garden and estate design.  Planning applications and appeals.  Environmental impact assessments.  Landscape planning studies.  Urban design.  Horticulture and ecology.  Project Management.  Tree & BREEAM Reports.  Landscape visuals / artists impressions.  ISO 9001 Accredited.  Landscape Institute registered practise.

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