Issue 39 Sept 23 - Journal - Page 54
Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Hayles and Howe leaders in Ornamental Plasterwork and Scagliola, display their talents
“The Blackpool Tower project has been one of the most
challenging projects we have undertaken”,
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.
“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 Howe.
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.
Above, gold leaf restoration at Blackpool ballroom
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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