George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest restored to former glory
When a client bought this lovely George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest in to the workshop of Somerset based Pye Antiques Restoration, it was in desperate need of restoration to its original glory.
The chest suffered from many problems. The top substructure was comprehensively split with bubbles and missing veneer. It was also off-kilter when open.
Read more: George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest restored to former glory
How drones can help heritage
Any regular traveller on the East Coast main line or the A1 will be familiar with the dramatic sight of the spire of St. Peter’s Church, Yaxley, sitting on top of its hill, visible for many miles across the flat landscapes of the fens – even more so at night when it is floodlight, writes Peter Slinger RIBA, CA of Cambridge UAV. Early last year, I was invited to become the quinquenial architect for St. Peter’s and together with the Churchwardens, started planning for the forthcoming inspection.
Hi-tech deterrent means churches can now be 'shot' of lead thieves
Instances of metal theft - in particular theft of lead from churches - have seen a reduction from the levels of only a couple of years ago, thanks in great part to the combination of more proactive policing across the country and the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers (SMD) Act in October last year.
Unfortunately, that will be of little comfort to the congregations and PCCs of churches across the country who have recently fallen victim to the crime, which seems to happen in clusters.
Read more: Hi-tech deterrent means churches can now be 'shot' of lead thieves
DRU Kamara wall heaters provide comfort and efficiency to rural village church
St Peter’s Anglican church is in the picturesque rural village of Stoke Lyne, near Bicester, Oxfordshire. It dates back to Norman times and still has several 12th century features. These include a priest’s doorway in the chancel, a chancel arch, three small lancet windows and the main south doorway.
Read more: DRU Kamara wall heaters provide comfort and efficiency to rural village church
What can still look great after working hard for a hundred years?
If you’re looking for the very best quality and longest lasting guttering system on the market, cast iron is the ultimate material for rainwater disposal.
Ideal and often obligatory on our oldest buildings, a cast iron system should last fifty to one hundred years with sensible maintenance. Although it will be the most expensive system to purchase, it still represents great life time value when you factor in longevity.
Read more: What can still look great after working hard for a hundred years?
Scotland rules the Murdoch Awards
Coming hot on the heels of the Referendum Vote, Scotland was once more the focus of attention at the Gala Dinner which traditionally concludes the Annual Conference of the Lead Contractors Association.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners of the Murdoch Award and Murdoch Sponsors Award, the ultimate accolade for those engaged in the historic craft of working with lead, whose skills remain so much in demand today.
Midlands firm warms the hearts of the church and ancient fabric of Wales
When it comes to the installation of church heating systems, few companies can claim a better pedigree than Stoke-on-Trent firm Mellor and Mottram. In recent years they have figured in a roll call of projects in Wales – from small village churches to the ancient cathedrals the early Celtic church became famous for.
Read more: Midlands firm warms the hearts of the church and ancient fabric of Wales
Northcot Brick launches the 'Old Scotch Common'
Northcot Brick, one of the UK’s independent brick manufacturers, has launched the ‘Old Scotch Common’, a new line of traditional wire cut bricks, which replicates the appearance of the old ‘Giscol’ Scotch Common.
Widely used in industrial towns in the North of England, the original Giscol common brick, which was made from shale clays, was well known for its rough-cast hard burnt appearance, perforated surface and colour variation.
Two Bronze Medals and recognition as Master Blacksmiths
North Yorkshire based architectural metalworkers Topp & Co. are proud to announce that two of their blacksmiths, Baptiste Deleau (left) and Arek Kropidlowski (right), have been awarded Bronze Medals from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.
They are both now officially recognised as Master Blacksmiths.
Read more: Two Bronze Medals and recognition as Master Blacksmiths
Northcot Brick is awarded 'Certificate of Quality' by the Guild of Master Craftsmen
Northcot Brick, one of the UK’s independent brick manufacturers, has been awarded membership of the Guild of Master Craftsmen in recognition of its skill and excellence in traditional brickmaking.
Read more: Northcot Brick is awarded 'Certificate of Quality' by the Guild of Master Craftsmen
MOLA finds new digs at DeepStore
MOLA, Museum of London Archaeology, has awarded DeepStore Records Management a five-year contract to store many of its important and environmentally sensitive artefacts.
The Winsford-based storage company, whose staff have had specialist training in the handling of archaeological and related material, is transferring 5200 boxes of objects from MOLA's collections to its climate-controlled vaults in Britain’s largest salt mine. The successful uplift of items will be completed by January 2015.
Seeking award-winning heritage roofs
Entries are now being accepted for the UK Roofing Awards 2015. The awards, which recognise and reward outstanding levels of workmanship and safety among competent roofing contractors, are open to those companies who are members of one of the supporting trade associations, including the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Submissions from manufacturers, architects and specifiers are also welcome.
Arguably one of the most prestigious categories, and always hotly contested, is that for Heritage Roofing.
Murdoch Awards 2014 - showcasing the very best in leadwork
The 2014 Murdoch Awards for quality in leadwork saw the continued sponsorship by ALM and another increase in the number of entries over the previous year. Overall winner was John Fulton (Plumbers) who took the accolade for 6-9 Water Row, in Greater Govan and Glasgow Harbour.
The impressive B-listed, red sandstone tenement building (pictured right) occupies a prominent site in the heart of Govan’s Conservation Area, having been built for the YMCA in 1897.
Read more: Murdoch Awards 2014 - showcasing the very best in leadwork