Sensitive adaptation maintains the beauty of Grade One medieval treasure
A beautiful piece of precious history, such as a church building, is so much better when it can be used today. Its colours and textures can be felt, evoking a sense of history so much richer than just walking through it as a monument.
The lovely Grade One-listed St Mary’s Church in Purton, Wiltshire, is built in Cotswold stone and dates from the 13th century. Its twisted ribbed roof structure and medieval paintings reflect the soft colours of its ancient lime plaster and its crooked pillars and limestone arches tell of the hands that crafted them.
Read more: Sensitive adaptation maintains the beauty of Grade One medieval treasure
Natural Zinc – now in stock – for next day delivery
Rainclear Systems, the UK’s leading stockist and online retailer of metal rainwater systems, has once again responded to the demand for its Natural Zinc Rainwater System by adding it to the huge ranges it stocks in its two warehouses in Swindon, for next day delivery to mainland UK addresses.
The Natural Zinc was only added to website, originally with a 15day leadtime, in April. The response has been such a success that they recognised the value to customer of having a shorter leadtime and so will begin stocking the range, in 115mm half-round profile gutter and 80mm diameter round downpipe, from the 5th July 2020.
Read more: Natural Zinc – now in stock – for next day delivery
Integration of ancient and modern is the aspiration
Low carbon consultancy MTA is a practice that specialises in the sympathetic conservation of culturally significant buildings during the integration of modern services.
With over 20 years of experience, the team at MTA have a comprehensive understanding of the complex rivalry between historical architecture and modern comfort. With an aspiration to ‘repair rather than replace’ they aim to preserve the historic fabric of these important structures.
Read more: Integration of ancient and modern is the aspiration
Finding professional help from conservation specialists, including architects
There are a number of professions that can help you plan and carry out work to an old building. Going it alone without the help of experienced and qualified professionals in order to save money often proves to be a false economy. It's worth thinking about what help will benefit your project early on.
Read more: Finding professional help from conservation specialists, including architects
Stained glass repairs at St. Martin on-the-Hill, Scarborough
J Goodwin Stained Glass carried out repairs to the windows at the church of St. Martin on-the-Hill, Scarborough after a painstaking period producing what was described as ‘a stunning piece of work’.
St. Martin’s is the perfect High Victorian Church and was built in response to the rapid urban development of the South Cliff that had taken place since 1845.
Read more: Stained glass repairs at St. Martin on-the-Hill, Scarborough
Time to start the clock!
To coincide with shops, towns and cities re-opening, Smith of Derby are offering communities a free guide (Restarting Mechanical Tower Clocks) to help start the thousands of local mechanical public clocks, up and down the country, which may have stopped or purposefully stopped for safety reasons, during lock-down.
Over the last few months many mechanical clocks in our communities have stopped due to restrictions preventing regular clock windings and the BST time change taking place. As we look forward to our communities return to a new normal, a working public clock will be an important sign of wellbeing to everyone.
Traditional windows - their care, repair and upgrading
The loss of traditional windows from our older buildings poses one of the major threats to our heritage. Traditional windows and their glazing make an important contribution to the significance of historic areas.
Read more: Traditional windows - their care, repair and upgrading
Leading leadworker tells the story of giant planter installation
Further details have come to light of the magnificent lead planter produced by Brian Turner of Turners Ornamental Leadwork for a private client in Norfolk, as featured in Ecclesiastical and Heritage World last autumn.
The trellis tree planter is three metres in diameter and 560mm high. Each of the individual cast panels is 1,710mm in length, giving a circumference of 9.426 metres. Each panel is decorated with motifs designed by the client, depicting items of significance to the family.
Read more: Leading leadworker tells the story of giant planter installation
A brief history of artificial lighting at Ely Cathedral
Light Perception, specialist lighting consultants for historic buildings, has recently been appointed as lighting consultants to Ely Cathedral and, having designed a new scheme for the octagon – featured on the front cover of our latest issue – is now designing a new scheme for the interior.
This article, by director Bruce Kirk, describes some of the earlier artificial lighting schemes in the cathedral and explains what lessons have been learned from understanding the work of past designers.
Read more: A brief history of artificial lighting at Ely Cathedral
CRE National postponed for 12 months
With large-scale indoor events unlikely to be permitted in the autumn, CRE National at Sandown Park, Esher has been postponed for 12 months – until 12-14 October 2021.
‘Though October is still four months away, we thought it best to make this difficult decision sooner than later,’ said event director Brett Pitchfork. ‘Even if Government restrictions are lifted, we doubt enough people will feel confident about attending an event of this kind in the autumn. We have taken the decision with a heavy heart but feel it is the responsible thing to do and appreciate the thoughts and prayers of our visitors and exhibitors as we plot our way through these difficult times.’
Forever together - bespoke memorial lead urns
Forever together lead urns by Turners Memorial Leadwork are designed to capture lasting memories of your loved one’s, displayed in attractive centre pieces fit for any home or garden that will last for a thousand years.
The lead urns have double compartments, so you and your partner can stay together and be cared for by your family and future generations as a lasting legacy of your life, with the peace of mind that you will be forever looked after and not forgotten.
Trees - A Church Guidance Note by Ecclesiastical
Many churchyards contain a large number of beautiful trees. They form a natural part of the overall landscape, bringing wide and many varied benefits as well as contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of your church premises.
However, trees, if not properly managed, can cause serious damage. In windy conditions, they may fall onto or lash against the church building itself, neighbouring property or cars. Root movement can cause the collapse of boundary walls. Roots can also absorb soil moisture causing foundations to move and walls to crack. They can also encroach upon the foundations of neighbouring buildings, causing subsidence or damage to drains.
Aesthetic audio solutions
Modern audio solutions often mean function over form – where cutting edge audio quality and distribution may not sit happily in the aesthetic surroundings of a traditional church. This is precisely the challenge mounted and overcome by Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS) in their equipment selection and overall system design – providing the latest technology whilst respecting the décor of, in most cases, grade-listed buildings.