Current Issue
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
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
Historic bottle kiln works by Horizon
Horizon was called in by the operators of this disused historic bottle kiln to offer a solution to ‘temporary job’ undertaken by others in order to weather seal the kiln.
Previously the open top kiln had been covered over by plastic sheeting in order to help prevent rain and wind from damaging the inside of the kiln. The added issue with this job was not only did a permanent solution to the capping need solving but as the kiln is now a specialist shop / museum the entrance to the building takes you directly under and through the old kiln itself.
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.
James Stone Masonry transform courtyard at Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle, often known as John O’ Gaunt’s Castle is one of the most historically fascinating surviving buildings in the country. Its beginnings date back to Roman times when, from its commanding position on the hill overlooking the town of Lancaster and the River Lune, it stood as a bastion against the marauding forces of the ancient Picts and Scots tribes.
Read more: James Stone Masonry transform courtyard at Lancaster Castle
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.
Identifying and sourcing stone for repair
England is fortunate to have such a wide variety of historic and older stone buildings. However, there has been a marked decline in the range of natural stones that are being actively quarried.
When the time comes to replace stone, we need to understand its characteristics. The replacement will need to replicate the original's chemical, physical and mineralogical properties. Only with that understanding can we select compatible materials to replace it with.
Historic England has produced advice on how to obtain matching stone for repairing a historic building or monument.
Historic colliery boiler gets some TLC
The Califat boiler in Swannington, Leicestershire, gets its name from its association with the Califat Colliery, also known as Coleorton No 2 colliery. It sits in the Califat Spinney to the north of the village and is of national significance. The boiler is a rare survivor of the first type of commercially successful steam engine, the Newcomen atmospheric engine. Only six are currently known to survive.
A Dickens of a job for York Handmade
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a significant role in a £1 million restoration project with a strong connection to Charles Dickens.
York Handmade have been working in conjunction with York Conservation Trust to renovate 69-71 Micklegate in the city.
The building was once the office of 19th century railway engineer John Birkinshaw, whose clerk Richard Chicken was a famous eccentric regarded by many, including respected York historian Hugh Murray, as the inspiration for Mr Micawber.
Webinar on assessing the condition of heritage ironwork
Not to be deterred by COVID-19 in their quest to bring you the benefit of their expertise, on June 3 National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG) are holding a new webinar on assessing the condition of heritage ironwork.
Read more: Webinar on assessing the condition of heritage ironwork
Call in professionals if nesting birds pose a problem
Birds can cause a range of issues during nesting season, but interfering with wild birds, their eggs or nests could lead to prosecution, a national trade body has warned.
British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is urging Parochial Church Councils to seek professional advice if birds are becoming a problem.
Read more: Call in professionals if nesting birds pose a problem
New contract furniture helps Salford church cater for variety of events
Elmwood Church is a large family church in the heart of Salford with both a lively and friendly mix of people of all ages who welcome visitors and newcomers.
With a rich history, dating back to 1889, Elmwood embarked on an ambitious project to build a new Church in 1987, moving to the current site on Eccles Old Road. With over 30 years of ministry in the building, the Church has gained new members – both as Christians but also as believers from a variety of church backgrounds.
Read more: New contract furniture helps Salford church cater for variety of events
Repair work to Peterborough Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, St. Paul and St. Andrew in Peterborough is one of the great surviving medieval buildings and one of the UK’s top 10 landmarks. The present building is the third on its site, dating from a rebuilding started in 1118. The West Front is a masterpiece of the sublime in architecture, its three massive, unequal width portals framing a seemingly small-scaled porch. The painted timber nave ceiling is an almost unique survival. The ‘New Building’ at the east end is a superb example of early 16th century fan vaulting, almost certainly by master-mason John Wastell. The abbey was refounded as a cathedral in 1541.
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