ADF05_22-30 6/3/08 10:09 AM Page 25
An Ornate Approach
The restoration of Temple Newsam using traditional skills and
craftsmen by West Yorkshire based firm Ornate Interiors.
s the key feature of one of plasterwork to a window bay in the Still Room.
England’s great historic estates, Site Foreman Ray McCartney took up the
it’s only right that the magnificent story: “Lime plastering dates back millennia
Tudor Jacobean mansion at and is a tried and well tested solution that helps
ATemple Newsam near Leeds gets a building to breathe and prevents damp. It’s a
the very best in restorative care! very popular and effective way of restoring
A venue for major concerts and festivals, prestigious buildings such as this in a manner
Temple Newsam Park was landscaped by that benefits its history.
Capability Brown in the 18th Century and “In this instance we secured a number of
boasts Europe’s largest rare breeds farm. tanilised timbers to the wall, and then fixed to Paul is enjoying his second year of
Temple Newsam House, a Grade I Listed the chestnut laths to the studwork within the apprenticeship immensely and working in
Building, contains within its carefully researched bay. We then proceeded to apply three coats environments such as this is clearly proving
and restored interiors collections of fine and haired lime plaster over a period of 28 days to a inspiring for the 18-year-old: “Walking into
decorative arts of international significance. height of 1.25 metres. The first and second buildings like Temple Newsam is fantastic and
The Leeds City Council owned Temple coats comprised of three parts sand to one part you are always looking around taking in all of
Newsam House is a major focus of attention for lime and horse hair to a depth of around 12mm. the history and detail.
specialist craftsmen from a wide range of trades “After allowing 10 days for the coat to dry, “We need to encourage more young people
including joiners, stonemasons, specialist the second coat was applied with the final coat like myself to become craftsmen because the
decorators and wallpaper restoration specialists. made of one part lime to one part silica sand rewards and satisfaction on a day to day basis
can be amazing,” added Paul.
‘There is an ongoing schedule of activity to re-construct
Other key projects carried out at Temple
each of the 50 or so rooms in Temple Newsam House with
Newsam House to date include the complete
replacement of a lath and plaster ceiling within
funding coming from a variety of sources including grant
the Red Dressing Room and repairs to a
Jacobean ceiling in the Darnley Room.
giving bodies’
“We are fortunate enough to work in
significant buildings such as this on a regular
A West Yorkshire-based firm that specialises applied to a depth of 2mm,” added Ray who basis and it gives all of the team […] great
in traditional and fibrous plasterwork has worked on the job with apprentice Paul Malyon satisfaction at having helped to preserve our
already been involved in a couple of key who was recently named Student of the Year at architectural heritage for generations to come.”
projects as part of a room by room restoration Leeds College of Building. added Ray.
programme and will be returning in the future. “On this occasion the composition was 1 part The programme of works at Temple Newsam
“We want to give the house back its true lime to 3 parts sand and horse hair. Due to the continues unabated as Ian confirms: “We are
identity. Its historic interiors were largely ground level being so high against the wall, we awaiting planning permission to block up an
destroyed when the house became the city's art needed to create a cavity between the wall and opening between two rooms and more lime
gallery during the bombing of Leeds in WW2. plaster to allow moisture to pass between the plastering work is required, so Ray and his team
Craftsmen […] played an absolutely vital role in two with great ease. The gap between the wall will once again be in situ!”
helping to bring the past to the present day,” and plaster was created by the timber batons The work of craftsmen such as Ray will help
commented Ian Fraser a member of the and when plastered air vents were placed at Temple Newsam House to rediscover that true
conservation team for nearly two decades. skirting level and window level to allow excess identity and bring history to life for all visitors.
The first project involved the application of lime moisture to escape.”
178
See inside back cover for Reader Enquiry Card or go online: www.adfonline.eu
25
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36