Journal of Architectural Conservation
Volume 14, Issue 2, July 2008
Paine's Chapel at Cusworth Hall
Conservation of an Interior
Elizabeth Hirst, Alison Aynesworth and Karen Morrissey
Paper Summary
The key to a successful conservation project rests on a sound understanding of the history of the site, its significance, and the materials and structure of its construction; the building envelope is a complex assembly which requires co-ordinated, multi-disciplinary evaluation. The 2000–07 restoration of Cusworth Hall, Doncaster, provides an excellent illustration of how a logically phased programme results in a sympathetic and sustainable outcome benefiting not only the building but also the wider community. This paper describes the re-presentation of the chapel which commenced in 2000 with historic paint analysis. A significant result of these investigations was the discovery of hidden figurative paintings on the plaster ceiling. Subsequently, and with further funding in place, the interior of the chapel was restored in 2005–06 as part of a major renovation of the house. The project was subdivided into several categories of conservation expertise, including the suspension and repair of the plaster ceiling, uncovering of ceiling paintings, conservation and reinstatement of a large oil painting, redecoration using bespoke lead paints, and materials analysis leading to the repair and stabilization of the original red plaster floor.
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Figure 7 Restored ceiling showing the grisaille decoration on plaster and the central painting on canvas attributed to Sir Francis Heyman.
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Elizabeth Hirst AMUKIC, ACR, FSA
Elizabeth Hirst is a founding partner in Hirst Conservation, based in Lincolnshire, England. Hirst Conservation, founded in 1986, grew to form a multi-disciplinary organization possessing a wide range of skills and technical expertise, working in the UK and overseas. The company undertakes conservation of important works dated from the Roman period to the twentieth century. She has been a conservator and consultant at Cardiff Castle since 1989 and was subsequently appointed as decorative surfaces consultant, responsible for research and investigation, and the development of a strategic conservation plan and specifications.
Alison Aynesworth BA(Hons), MA
Alison Aynesworth joined Hirst Conservation in 2000,
specializing in the conservation of easel paintings. She is the senior
paintings conservator, managing site-based projects and undertaking
research in various areas of preventive and interventive conservation.
Karen Morrissey BA(Hons), PGDip
Karen Morrissey joined Hirst Conservation in 1997, specializing in the conservation of painted decorations associated research. She is the senior historic paint researcher for the company, working on paint research projects in the UK and Europe including: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff; Villa Sareceno, Venice, Italy; and Wrest Park, Bedfordshire.
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