Screens – Coode Conservation

This substantial and impressive set of screens on a private estate had near universal coating failure and as a result were badly corroded. With their fine forging and extensive leaf work they are a virtuoso display of the ironwork designer’s and craftsman’s abilities.

It was vital for any restoration to accurately mirror the style, quality, attention to detail and craftsmanship of the original while retaining as much as possible of the original material.
Nearly all of the leaves had suffered some damage through material loss, or they were lost and needed replacing.
The repairs were so comprehensive that the decision was taken to remove them to our workshops for conservation and restoration. Purpose built frames were made to minimise any damage in transit.
After first flame cleaning the screens to enable accurate assessment, a detailed plan for restoration was drawn up with the mutual agreement of all stakeholders.
Comprehensively recording every stage of the works was vital and not just as a conservation standard to retain as much of the historical record as possible.
Chronicling repairs, methodology and reasoning went hand in hand with keeping track of the 137 repousse leaves (some in several pieces), 33 major elements and countless details, with their original position and orientation informing the restoration throughout.
On the restoration of each element they were checked, filled, coated and the leaves were re-riveted on in our finishing warehouse prior to re-installation.
Re-installation was carried out over a week with the small differences in height between the screens reconciled on re-installation using the top rails as the key visual datum.
New foundations and dwarf wall were installed while the screens were with us. Shanahan Contractors Ltd doing the helical foundations, groundwork and assisting on extraction and re-installation, Cliveden Conservation creating and installing of the stonework of the dwarf wall.
A wider view of the finished screens.