stencilled decoration and stained glass, but the exterior wore a historically accurate ochre coloured limewash which was as unfamiliar to most delegates as it was eye catching. Opinions on its appearance were mixed, with one delegate who had grown up in the area and had come to know the building in its former coat of grey render, being distinctly unimpressed. Such views are of course subjective and the Conservation Officer can usually retire to the much safer ground of historical accuracy when forming a view. It was stressed that limewashing such as this will require reapplication over a period of years. Churches excepted, many buildings remain in one ownership for a relatively short length of time today, and while applications of limewash may be proven to be beneficial for the long-term health of a building, an owners perception may be somewhat different. Cement render may cause long-term damage, but it may be perceived as the most costeffective solution in the timescale of the owner. He or she may simply not be concerned that the wrong techniques are storing up problems for the future ifthey manifest themselves beyond the period of ownership. Such views may 'Clearly, the process of education needs to be more effective in the future if better-informed building repair techniques are to filter down to the vast majority of the building trade' be merely an extension of the domestic property owner's desire to be 'maintenance free' but the thought of periodically scaffolding a building the size of St Margaret's, Blackheath for limewashing is likely to be somewhat daunting. The rediscovery of lime is no doubt still in its infancy and its correct application when working on traditional building repairs still appears to be very much the exception in many areas. The SPAB's own book Repair of Ancient Buildings by A R Powys promotes these techniques. However, it is disconcerting to see that this was originally written well before the Second World War, since when much of the knowledge has been lost among the general building trade, only to be rediscovered by a relatively small minority. Clearly, the process of education needs to be more effective in the future if better-informed building repair techniques are to filter down to the vast majority of the building trade who remain responsible for a lot of repairs carried out to historic buildings. Unfortunately, the building industry, and others may be susceptible to a succession of fads for new 'cure-all' materials. There may even be a danger that the wholesale promotion of lime will itself become just another fad which in time gains a poor reputation if its limitations and characteristics are not first understood. Some time after returning from the SPAB course, I spoke again to the hapless building owner who had ventured into limewash. A 'weatherresistant' paint had been applied to the front of the building in the meantime. Discretion told me to keep any concerns for the long-term health of the building to myself. They were quite happy, and no I really didn't need to visit after all as the problem had been cured -and most importantly, the new wallpaper was safe! Andrew Vines is Conservation Officer for West Wlitshire District Council. THEBUILDING CONSERVATION DIRECTORY FARROW & BALL THE EXPANDED 176 PAGE 1996 EDITION IS NOW AVAILABLE ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY Still £16.95 inc. p&p Also, BCD SPECIAL REPORTS, £5.95 inc. p&p: I) Conservation&Repairof EcclesiasticalBuildings- '95 editionavailable,'96 editionfromJune '96 Britain'sonlypaint manufacturer to offera completerangeof traditionalpaints DEAD FLAT OIL 57 National Trust colours in a linseed oil rich resin LEAD PAINT 2 Formulations. A traditional flake white, linseed oil and pure turpentine only recipe, and a 100%flake white linseed oil rich alkyd resin formulation DISTEMPER Both a soft distemper and an oil bound distemper strengthened with casein LIME WASH Traditionally slaked lime putty ready for dilution. Factory strong water stainers available All your conservation and restoration paint requirements met direct from the factory II) HistoricBuildingsGrants, Loans&VATfromJune '96 CATHEDRAL COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED UDDENS TRADING ESTATE WIMBORNE DORSET BH21 7NL Tel: 01202 876141 Fax: 01202 873793 TheTisburyBrewery,ChurchStreet, Tisbury,WiltshireSP3 6NH Tel 01747 871717 Fax 01747 871718 emailbcd@cathcomm.demon.co.uk CONTEXT50 29
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=