Replication of Stonework
We work closely with Chilstone to provide a bespoke service for Irish architects, builders, developers, and conservation architects who need to copy a feature or architectural elements in the Conservation process.
Over Chilstone’s long history they have replicated many items for conservation projects. The item can be replicated either by taking a mould from the original, as we did with Westport House, or by making a new mould from very exact drawings, or by taking a mould from an existing item that is in a next door building. Cast stone is more adaptable than quarried stone and so is easier to replicate historical features, fixings can be cast into the new item to engineers specifications and colour matches can be created.
Westport House
At Westport House the 4 finials on the pediment were taken down, each one had been wrapped in chicken wire to hold it together. When the chicken wire was taken off the finial just fell apart so a new model had to be made. A mould was taken from this and 4 new finials cast from the mould. These are now in situe back at Westport House. Many of the balusters, lions heads and swags had iron in that had rusted and expanded so ‘popping’ the stone work. Moulds were taken of the various elements and new ones cast. They were made in a grey colour to match the existing ones and now are back on the terraces, you have to look very carefully to tell the originals from the new ones.
Residential Work
In Wandsworth, south west London, 4 new terraced houses were built to finish off an existing terrace. The Victorian style stonework of the existing houses was replicated in the new houses by taking moulds from the existing houses, these included window headers and door arches with fine floral details on, plus coping and pier caps.
In Shrewsbury Road, Dublin, restoration of one of the houses used replicated stonework from its neighbour, creating window and door surrounds.
Kew Gardens
Finials and urns on the roof of the Temperate House at Kew Gardens had been damaged while in storage during World War II. Chilstone copied them from the originals and from drawings to replace over 80 of them in the 1980s, they are still as good as new today.
If you have a project that needs replication or renovation please call Caroline Pilkington now on 044 96 61849/086 451 7508 or email carolinepilkington@simonstownarchitectural.ie
