Conservation

The ethical and practical solutions to the conservation and restoration of architecture and of stone objects are constantly being improved and changed, also all projects must be considered for their historical and aesthetic context and clients require a unique service regarding the practical restraints of any situation. Therefore London Stone Conservation has a policy where we will endeavor to undertake all our work to the highest standards possible, this requires us to review our practices regularly, to liaise with our clients and to continuously monitor the academic, scientific and practical improvements within this craft.

Ilford Town Pillar

Harrow on the Hill War Memorial

South Ben Fleet War Memorial

Vicarage Gate

At the Vicarage gate hotel, London Stone Conservation was commissioned to repair the stone work of the hotel's front portico and entrance approach. The Masonry of these areas was heavily decayed. This was caused primarily by the failure of the drainage systems to shed water away from the fascia and carvings. This problem was confounded in that layers of impermeable paint were causing water to become trapped in and against the stone, speeding the mechanisms of frost damage and salt loss. It was decided that we would remove the paint in the effected areas and to repair and clean the appropriate stone work. This required using a plastic repair of Hydraulic lime mortar, the replacement of some stone using indents and the extensive indented replacement of the carvings of two capitals. We then painted the repaired areas with layers of lime wash shelter coat.

Tower of London Bloody Tower

The objective: to repoint joints on external wall it was soon discovered that not only the joints , but also most of the core had failed due to erosion. The lime had been washed out of the mortar mix leaving only loose agregate in the joints. After removing the agregate the debth of the joint required to be packed with dry mortar, then to be pointed up and finally to be grouted to ensure good support from the inside out. Method statement available on request.

Hayes Drinking Fountain

Edward Ist Chaple, Tower of London

The Tower Bridge Cafe

The objective at the Tower Bridge cafe was; to investigate the sources of efflorescence and water damage, to attempt to halt the mechanisms of efflorescence and water damage, to remove the considerable salt deposits from the service of the bay window stones and to clean the stones of staining, to repair the stones that had sustained damage from the movement and expansion of iron fixings, and to apply a protective sacrificial lime based coating to the stone. We were able to identify the cause of the presence of water and reduce the amount of water contamination. Unfortunately though,we were unable to completely eradicate the problem, however it was agreed that we would complete the works but continue to monitor and maintain the areas.