16 Terracotta tile worn very thin and the stone border area had crumbled severely and, in some areas, disappeared. The bed had suffered serious cracks, and areas of tesserae were missing leaving behind large holes which were considered dangerous for older members of the congregation to negotiate. The clients, though willing, were unable to raise the sums of money required for complete restoration. Urgent, but affordable action was required. The holes and cracks in the central marble area and doorway were filled with a colourmatched polyester resin. This was smoothed with varying grades of abrasive papers, after it had cured, taking care not to abrade the adjoining marble. The resin areas were then scored with a small file to match the shapes of the original tesserae. It was later grouted with tile cement grout; this was done purely for visual effect. The stone border in the doorway had completely worn away, leaving behind an edge to the marble tesserae upon which it was very easy to trip, and which was also vulnerable to breaking up. New tesserae were needed as the area was too large Fig. 2: Entrance to thejackfield Tile museum to use a resin infill. Partly because of cost, but also because there was no desire to aspire to a finish that could in any way be confused with the original material at a later date, it was decided to use ceramic tesserae of a suitably matching colour. Small mosaic panels, approximately 10 cm x 10 cm, were made up in the workshop, using the same method as for the J ackfield floor, and were transported to the site where they were fixed using a modern tile adhesive. The overall effect blended reasonably well with the original material. It made the floor safe for public use, whilst not interfering with the original material, none of which was removed. All of the infill material can be easily removed, and, until proper restoration can take place, it will also serve to prevent further immediate degradation. Lesley Durbin, Jackfield Conservation Studio. Acknowledgements are also due to Tony Herbert. LISTOF SUPPLIERS Double sided tape: Coating Sciences Inc. 48 Newbury Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002, USA Plastic_s rietting: Fine mesh, used for shading, any garden centre Cement adhesives: Bal Ceramic Products, Craven Dunhill Ltd, Stourbridge Road, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. Diamond cutting tools: Trenchex Plant Sales, Dove Fields, Uttoxeter. Renaissance Wax: Conservation Resources Ltd, Units 1, 2 & 4 Pony Road, Horspath Industrial Estate, Cowley, Oxford. HAND CRAFTED GEOMETRIC ~ he beauty and durabi'.ity of ~ patterned floor and wall tiles has been appreciated since the 12th Century. During the Victorian period encaustic tiles were in common use around the.world - a time regarded as the golden age of ceramic tile design. With a continued appreciation of this era, H & RJohnson present Minton Hollins ...The finest collection of period reproduction tiles ever assembled. THE MINTON HOLLINS COLLECTION The Minton Hollins Specialist Products Department is dedicated to the preseivation and restoration of period tiled floors and walls. With an unparalleled portfolio of prestigious worldwide commissions the department offers a unique service encompassing hand crafted bespoke tiles, murals, renovation and technical advice, complemented by a complete in-house CAD and design facility. Recent commissions have included: Capitol Building, Washington, USA, Palace of Westminster, St Saviours, London, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, USA, New Zealand Parliament Building, Hurlingham Club, London, Melbourne Club,Australia, St Aidan's, Eire. Manchester Crown Courts, Liverpool Town Hall to name a few. m MINTON HOLLINS H&R JOHNSON A NOllCIIO.Y Company Forfilrtherinformation Phone 01782 575575 or Fax 01782 577377 or write to the address below: Minton Hollins Specialist Products Department CX. H & RJohnson Tiles Ud .• Highgate Tile Works., Tunstal~ Stoke-On-Trent ST6 -OX. TRADITIONAL HAND DECORATED WALL TilES CONTEXT 52
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