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Practice paper

Investigation and conservation of historic suspended fibrous plaster ceilings

Richard Ireland
Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation, 11 (3), 227-249 (2022)
https://doi.org/10.69554/WHAG2410

Abstract

Significant nationwide consequences across the building sector arose from the Apollo Theatre ceiling collapse investigation relating to fibrous plaster suspended ceiling fabrication. This continues to be an acute issue as owners and developers attempt to resolve health and safety, risk and conservation of culturally significant fragile fabric. Fibrous plaster remains a problematic historic construction material because of its prevalence across the country, where it flourished particularly between the late 19th and early 20th centuries in theatres, hotels, music halls, churches and other public buildings, but also production and installation in current building works where typically very similar methods and materials continue to be used.

Keywords: historic ceilings; 19th century; 20th century; Victorian; Edwardian; Apollo Theatre; ceiling construction; suspended ceilings; decorative plaster; gypsum plaster; fibrous plaster; plaster of Paris; inspection; investigation; decay; conservation repair

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Author's Biography

Richard Ireland is the UK’s leading conservator of historic plaster and paint. He operates as an independent consultant for Historic England Building Conservation and Geospatial Survey Team, English Heritage, Westminster City Council, Historic Royal Palaces, Royal Household Property Services, Office of Public Works Ireland, National Trust, Historic Scotland and ecclesiastical organisations. Specialising in plain and decorative lime plaster, fibrous plasterwork, internal and external finishes, paint analysis, and the reinstatement of historic schemes, Richard’s projects typically involve a combination of archaeological investigation, scientific analysis and contextual historic research. He also teaches and lectures in his subject and is widely published. Richard’s role in the guardianship of important buildings has received considerable recognition. Having worked at the forefront of the ground-breaking restoration of Uppark House in the 1990s, Richard became chairman of the Traditional Paint Forum, received the Honorary Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Painter Stainers, and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London. His projects encompass a diverse spectrum of historically significant buildings, from small farmhouse interiors, to major works such as the British Museum and the Holy Sepulchre Jerusalem. He was the lead investigator for the 2013 Apollo Theatre auditorium ceiling failure.

Citation

Ireland, Richard (2022, December 1). Investigation and conservation of historic suspended fibrous plaster ceilings. In the Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation, Volume 11, Issue 3. https://doi.org/10.69554/WHAG2410.

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cover image, Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation
Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation
Volume 11 / Issue 3
© Henry Stewart
Publications LLP

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