Hayles and Howe leaders in Ornamental Plasterwork and Scagliola, display their talents
As specialist in ornamental plasterwork and restoration of historic buildings, we were honoured to work in association with Blackpool Council to carry out the repairs and conservation works on numerous venues in Blackpool. The crown jewel being the Tower Ballroom. The Tower Ballroom opened in 1899 and was designed by Frank Matcham; an architect famed for his work on theatres in the late 19th and early 20th century. The Ballroom has gained more recent fame through its use on the popular tv show Strictly Come Dancing.
We undertook a thorough survey of the fibrous plaster ceiling and subsequently are in the process of repairing and consolidating the proscenium arch. Over time, timber and canvas deteriorate to a point where the structural integrity of the ceiling becomes a possible safety risk. Extensive repairs are being carried out from the face and within the void behind the plasterwork; areas which have been mostly untouched for over 100 years. The team are using traditional techniques and materials to preserve the 120-year-old ceiling for years to come. Our team are some of the most highly skilled craftsmen in the country, we have worked across the world on projects including the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace.
The project itself was more than 21,000 hours over a period of 6 months, two tonnes of plaster being mixed, climbing an average of 85flights of scaffolding each day and organic hessian imported from India to mix with plaster allowing intricate repairs to be carried out to the ceiling. In some cases, redecoration is key before the scaffolding comes down. We work closely with a wide range of trades and can offer high-end finishes such as gold leaf.
“The Blackpool Tower project has been one of the most challenging projects we have undertaken”,
“It has allowed us to continue to learn and develop our methodologies to restore historic plasterwork”
“This project is a very iconic one for both myself and my team and is definitely one of our flagship pieces of work. One of my favourite parts of looking after buildings like this is being able to give something back to the public to enjoy safely for generations to come”
Robin Harrison,
Managing Director at Hayles and How
Hayles and Howe Ltd
+44 (0) 117 972 7200
info@haylesandhowe.co.uk
wwww.haylesandhowe.co.uk
Templegate, Mead Rise,
Bristol BS3 4RP