Decorative Arts and Interiors include historic decorative schemes, finishes, marouflage, wallpapers and painted and gilded surfaces in places of worship, homes and public buildings. Interior decorations are applied to a variety of substrates with layers of different binding agents, pigments and techniques. Their conservation requires knowledge and understanding of the building fabric as a whole and we therefore take a holistic approach when deciding on the appropriate methods and level of conservation required.

 

As well as the long-term preservation, we will always aim to ensure the overall aesthetics of the scheme and are able to recreate any losses to match existing schemes. We are able to identify and provide solutions to the causes of deterioration and decay and for every project an individual and unique treatment plan is developed and agreed based on initial investigation, analysis, research and initial trials prior to any work commencing.

 

We are able to undertake a variety of different projects from small localised repairs, cleaning and consolidation of decorated walls and ceilings to the removal of overpaint and uncovering and treatment of entire rooms comprising a wide range of techniques.

 

Prior to any remedial conservation taking place we can undertake full photographic documentation, mapping and monitoring. The cleaning of decorative arts and interiors can include the removal of dirt and surface deposits, the removal of failed or inappropriate paint systems, surface coatings and discoloured varnishes as well as unsuitable previous repairs which can be disfiguring and cause deterioration to the underlying layers.

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The consolidation and stabilisation of decorative surfaces and interiors involves not only the surface consolidation of flaking, crazed and friable paint and gilding but can include structural and substrate repair, grouting and fills to losses and cracks. Losses can be retouched or toned in as appropriate and missing elements and larger areas can be remodelled, recreated and colour matched.