CLEANING, RESTORATION & MAINTENANCE
HOLY GROUND RESTORED
Tom Flemons, Director and Bath Workshop Manager of Cliveden Conservation, outlines the challenging conservation and restoration of the Seafarers’ Chapel floor, Bristol Cathedral.
On behalf of Bristol Cathedral, Nick Cox Architects appointed Cliveden Conservation to undertake the stone repairs to the deteriorating Seafarers’ Chapel floor, including the conservation and repair of the marble memorial tablets. Our project also sought to create a safer, more level floor and enhance accessibility for visitors.
The aim was to retain the historic layout of the floor, keeping the larger ledger slabs in situ while lifting and replacing the decayed and worn Pennant sandstone.
“THE PROJECT SOUGHT TO CREATE A SAFER, MORE
LEVEL FLOOR ANDENHANCE ACCESSIBILITY FOR VISITORS.”
During the dismantling phase, an archaeological watching brief was maintained. Lifting the floor revealed subterranean burial vaults that had previously been unrecorded. It also allowed for the discreet installation of acoustic and audio cabling for a hearing loop.
Our team of conservators and stonemasons lifted and repaired marble memorial slabs and created a new stone
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ramp to the east end into the Lady Chapel. New steel and oak ramps were fabricated to reduce stepped access from the North Choir aisle and into the Choir.
We sourced replacement stone from Barnhill Quarry, with a visit made to inspect and select the new Forest of Dean Pennant sandstone. This allowed the selection of a range of ‘hues’ reflecting the colour palette of the original stones.
The sandstone was sawn to size off-site following templating of the individual elements. We undertook further site cutting and trimming to follow the complexities of the floor. A new subbase of compacted coarse aggregate was laid with the slabs, then bedded and pointed with a lime-bound mortar.
Throughout the project, we maintained a close working relationship with the Cathedral, Nick Cox Architects, and their archaeologist. Our team did a fantastic job and enjoyed engaging with the public during the Cathedral’s Conservation in Action Day.
This sensitive and challenging project is now complete. We have re-integrated the marble memorial tablets, the floor of the 14th-century chapel is level, and our ramps provide step- free access. The subtle transformation skilfully integrated the new stone with the retained fabric.
www.clivedenconservation.com
www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk
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