Oxford Brookes University
Years of neglect were remedied during a
major restoration project we undertook at
Headington Hill House, Oxford Brookes
University. This is a grade II listed
building, a former home to Robert
Maxwell and is an historic part of the
University campus.
The building was still in full
working use during the interior
refurbishment. It was originally
built and decorated as an Italian
style mansion in the 1850's
by an Oxford brewer. Our
decorating project was to
restore the main reception
areas of the offices of the
Chancellor & Vice chancellor.
This project ensured our
place as finalists in the
refurbishment category of
2008 Johnstones Painter
of the Year awards.
Jesus College,
Cambridge
We have been pleased to be involved decorating
on several occasions in these historic buildings.
Jesus College is one of 31 colleges which make
up the University. Built on the site of the Benedictine
nunnery of St Mary and St Radegund, the prestigious
College is one of the oldest buildings in the city and
was founded in 1496.
All work has to be completed in step with Academic
Terms, College functions and at all times
in respect of the Historic nature of the
building. Renovation in the Master's
Lodge, originally the lodging of the
Prioress, included hanging specially
commissioned hand printed wallpaper.
Beautiful wallpapers, decorative schemes
and paint effects including gilding and
marbling to match and blend with existing
faux details.
Due to the specialist nature of the
work and the intricacy of the design, the
wallpaper had to be trimmed by hand along
both sides to create a perfect edge-to-edge match,
ensuring a high quality finish. Tricky! Needs patience and skill. We enjoy working here, in a busy living community, not just an historic learning environment.
City & Commercial
Projects
We are always pleased to work on some of our nations finest city and Heritage buildings, sometimes we have the place to ourselves so we can have the speediest results, refurbishing and transforming commercial and work spaces. Othertimes, we work quietly and carefully around busy offices, gallery, museum, and shops, sheeting up and protecting on a daily basis, and ensuring that small or large corporate operations are uninterrupted.
Heritage Projects
Heritage projects come in all shapes
and sizes - from small visitors centres in
historic buildings, museums to stately
homes and ancient monuments, - our
decorating team has been entrusted
with decorating many interesting,
challenging and beautiful buildings.
Our craftsmen painters and
decorators work alongside
professionals, conservation
specialists and historians,
ensuring that our built heritage is
preserved for future generations.
Private Historic
Residences
Working in a private historic residences -
Restoration, conservation, interior
decoration and exterior painting and
decorating.
We have worked with interior
designers and architects on many
superb properties in Britain. Ornate
or simple schemes all require
expert attention to detail, skill
in application and technique,
underpinned by timely and
organised workmanship.
Castles & Churches
Our projects include decorating with traditional materials and techniques in remote and impressive locations. Our decorating work at Bolsover Castle, (Derbyshire Grade 1 Listed)- the decoration to the Riding Stables supports commercial opportunities for historic properties to have varied use as filmsets, conference and wedding venues.
Not all painting requires decorative splendour, sometimes just a thorough and simple decorating to ensure the environment reflects light. We were involved in recreating the original atmosphere enjoyed by Elizabeth I and her courtiers as shown in pictures of our interior work from Kenilworth Castle (Warwickshire Grade 1 listed).
Initial supply for materials and building work to Peveril Castle (Derbyshire Ancient Monument) was by helicopter, in the Derbyshire Peak District. This imposing early Norman fortress was a royal
hunting preserve since the 11th century.
Much more convenient access is
available at Rockingham Castle,
(Rockingham Grade 1 listed) where
we have followed traditions of decorators
who since Norman times have ensured
the fabric of the castle meets historic,
Royal and the current modern family
needs (whose family has continuously
lived there since 1544).
Churches & chapels share a special place
in our project list, not necessarily grand, but
all sharing an atmosphere and sanctity based not
just through worship but on quiet diligent craftsmen
in history, working with hands and hearts in sacred locations.