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Plasterwork; cornices, friezes, corbels and ceiling roses. All were prominent features of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Many of the buildings featuring these original pieces have suffered from neglect. But quality restoration is available - and more affordable than you might think.
Many a period stucco ceiling across the UK gives the appearance of having been cared for with love and devotion for centuries. Finely executed examples of the work are beautiful pieces of architectural history perfectly in tune with their settings. But so often these decorations are not, strictly speaking, authentic. The design is original and so are some of the details, but mst of the workmanship is actually contemporary.
Some of these features are affected by fire. A depressing proportion of the original ornamental plasterwork in the UK has been lost to fire and subsequent water damage. In many of the cases all that remains of glorious ceilings or exquisitely ornate corbels lays in a thousand pieces, scattered amidst the wreckage. If caught early enough, many fragments of the moulded plasterwork can be salvaged. Master plasterers, like F H Crocker, can work these components into carefully constructed reproductions of the original schemes.
Even if the majority an original ceiling has to be remade by hand the work we carry out is of such a standard that only a expert would be able to spot the signs. Many of the techniques we use started disappearing from common practise from the mid-19th century. We are proud to combine some of the most state-of-the-art technologies with traditional craftsmanship.
Few people own period homes with all of the original features intact, but these cornices and plaster ceiling mouldings were a standard decorative feature of the vast majority Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Until developers and home 'improvers' started ripping them out wholesale to fit partition walls or contemporary design styles.
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F H Crocker have built their reputation on conservation commissions in the some of the regions most impressive restoration projects. But we are happy taking on smaller, domestic projects. Such as replacing damaged plasterwork and recreating missing ceiling roses or other period features in relatively ordinary period houses. Or adding authentic features to replica developments. In their own small way, these jobs are as challenging and as rewarding as the restoration of a famous listed property.
Most period plasterwork is supported by a surprisingly rugged and economical framework. This is usually made up of narrow lathes of oak or softwood, which are fixed to the ceiling joists in close-knit strips. However the fabric of the plaster detail varies as much as the possible patterns.
Late Georgian and Victorian buildings are most likely to have a gypsum plaster which is reinforced with timber. Stronger, more versatile fibrous plaster, which is made by combining gypsum with hessian, became far more common from the mid 19th century.
It is worth keeping in mind the fact the period plasterers occasionally crafted the most intricate details from papier-mache or another 'compo' (any paper-based compound). To the untrained eye, these look just like gypsum, but have the distressing tendency of dissolving when cleaned with water.
Any plasterwork is vulnerable to chemical cleaning solutions, often applied by well-meaning people who are horrified by the consequences of their actions. Astringent paint removal materials can make a cleaning job quick and simply. But use them without the greatest of care and they will weaken the plasterwork and it can even just crumble away.
Plasterwork damaged in this way can be fully restored or recreated. Most typically damaged are ceiling sections such as a ceiling rose or cornice design with fleur de lys, Virginia leaf, bird, beast or fruit scroll. These will lose little details or even whole segments. The quickest method to repair such damage is to take a cast of an intact piece of the detail, and from this make a mould. Then a new matching piece can be cast in plaster and carefully attached to the original work. For particularly special plasterwork, it is sometimes worth taking the time and effort to fully restore it rather than simply replace damaged plasterwork. But for badly damaged schemes it will be impossible and we will have to remake the whole scheme from scratch.
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Even for totally gutted period homes, all is not lost. When there is none of the original work and no guiding references we can construct an entire scheme from scratch to your preferred designs and in keeping with the character of the house. Although many people like to have the truly original plasterwork within their home, just as many people are happy with bespoke designs and layouts as eloborate or understated as they want. When we work from scratch like this we can talk you through selecting the right peices for the right job and discuss any custom built peices you want.
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