Issue 35 autumn 2022 - Flipbook - Page 82
“This project would not have been possible without the
expertise and dedication of our team of contractors and
consultants, including Crick-Smith, Mann Williams,
PMP Consultants and contractor Reynolds Conservation,
who together have reinstated the bandstand’s pride of
place as a focal point in the Botanical Gardens.”
it to how it looked when it was first unveiled almost 150
years ago.
“This local heritage gem will be a fantastic space for
musicians and events. We’ve no doubt our visitors will
appreciate the work that has been done to ensure it is
safeguarded for another 50 years and beyond.”
Ashley Reynolds, managing director of Reynolds Conservation Ltd, which undertook specialist joinery as well as
manufacturing new lead box gutters, installing the
diamond Welsh slate and gold leaf finials.
Birmingham-based Donald Insall Associates, the architect practice that carried out the works, commissioned
specialist paint restoration company Crick-Smith to undertake historic paint analysis to reveal how decorative
schemes have evolved over the years.
“We have really enjoyed working with Donald Insall, a
highly skilled conservation practice, understanding what
is involved with this flagship project and we’re pleased
with the overall high standard of workmanship,” he
said. “The bandstand will now have a great outside focal
point in the gardens and bring great future prospects for
everyone to enjoy.”
Its examination revealed the bandstand has been
redecorated up to 18 times during its history, with the
earliest and most significant scheme, which dates back to
1874, identifying a two-tone treatment of dark blue/green
with a dark red, both in lead-based oil paints - common
during the Victorian era. This helped to inform the
decorative scheme used in the bandstand’s restoration.
PMP Consultants were appointed as cost consultants for
the project, which started in September 2020.
Matthew Vaughan, associate director at Donald Insall
Associates, said the paint analysis also showed a dramatic
change occurred in 1936, when bitumen was applied over
the aluminium on the trellis and the rest of the structure
was painted plain lead white.
Martin Rowe, Senior Director of PMP Consultants, said:
“It was a joy to work alongside the team to bring back the
bandstand to its former glory. Having spent many years
as a member of the Botanical Gardens it was a privilege
to act as cost consultants.”
The use of bitumen on the lower grilles was not found
anywhere else and may relate to the start of the Second
World War when the basement room was used as an air
raid shelter, he said.
The project has had the support of several prestigious
national and local trusts and foundations, as well as individual supporters. As well as the major donation from the
Peter Sowerby Foundation, without which the project
would not have been possible, the Gardens also received
donations from: The Garfield Weston Foundation, GJW
Turner Trust, 29th May 1961 Trust, Loppylugs & Barbara
Morrison Trust, Feeney Trust, Grimmitt Trust, Limoges
Trust, and George Henry Collins Trust.
The base was given an additional brick skim to block the
window and the bright aluminium decoration was given
a coat of black bitumen to minimise reflection.
“This conservation project has included repairs which
restored lost features, such as the diamond pattern Welsh
slates and colour scheme, as well as sympathetic adaptions to make it accessible to the public, including the
addition of steps and adaption of the cast iron
balustrade,” said Matthew.
As a charity the Gardens, which is one of the UK’s most
historically important botanic gardens and is home to four
Victorian glasshouses, receives no regular public funding.
Instead, it relies on the generosity of public donations,
grants and income it can generate through conferences,
weddings and other events.
Below, Birmingham Botanical Gardens bandstand roof.
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
80