Hardwick Hall has an extensive set of Elizabethan plaster over-mantles. The reason these have survived despite the hall being open to the weather is because they each have a little roof over the top of them to throw the rainwater forward. They were first installed during a conservation campaign in 1911.
The Duke of Devonshire invited the experts at the Society for the preservation of Ancient Buildings to oversee essential repairs to the house, which was partially roofed. The repairs were meant to stand out, so they could not easily be confused with Elizabethan work. The distinctive tiles used to fill holes are still easy to spot around the house. The plaster protection roofs were also made of tiles, but they have now been replaced by lead. The plaster like the stonework was also heavily blackened by industrial soot, deposited by the region’s historic textile, coal and mineral activities. *
Routine monitoring of the condition of the plaster-work is a challenge, without floors to walk on; conservators have to use mountaineering ropes.
To view mosaic tiles in full size use the links below.
1. Top Left, 2. Top Right, 3. Middle Left, 4. Middle Right, 5. Bottom Left, 6. Bottom Right
*From the English Heritage Guidebook
Wow. An amazing set of plaster works kept safe with such simple little roofs.
They are quite impressive aren’t they?
Im so glad that the English value and preserve their heritage. It would be awful if all this was lost, wouldn’t it?
Cheers
Helen
I am so glad they are kept for everyone to see. There is such a lot of history in and around them.
How ingenious of them, Cherie. I’ve never heard of this, so it’s wonderfully educational. Thanks.
It is the first time I have seen conservation work like that so it was new to me too
This is a remarkable work of art. It’s a hardwork for the conservators to monitor the plasters.
I was quite stunned when I set eyes on it
Wow that really is excellent plasterwork. Thanks for sharing
I think you would enjoy a visit to Hardwick
Heaven for those who love textures.
And heaven for those who love to explore history
Very interesting. I didn’t know about those.
It was new to me too!