Project Title: Apethorpe Hall: Long Gallery Panelling Location: Northamptonshire Wood Species: ENGLISH OAK
Project Description
The Project
One of the largest conservation joinery projects undertaken in recent years was completed at Apethorpe Hall in 2008. The Hall dates from the late 15th century, but is principally known for its sequence of Jacobean state apartments, the most magnificent being the Long Gallery. This was erected by the Earl of Westmorland in 1622-4 following a direct command by King James I. The Long Gallery, 34m in length, has been little altered since its original construction, and includes full height oak panelling to all walls, with decorative pilasters and a jewelled frieze incorporating carved masks. By the late 20th century, the Hall had for many years been one of the major buildings at risk in the country, having been abandoned for over two decades. It was acquired by English Heritage in 2004.
The repair of the panelling was part of a major phase of repairs undertaken for English Heritage by Rodney Melville and Partners, including structural, roofing, masonry, window and decorative plaster repairs to the State Apartments. The repairs to the panelling therefore had to be coordinated with these tasks. It was decided to remove all sections of panelling, partly as many had already been taken down by a previous owner, and partly due to the distortion and poor condition of the panelling caused by structural failure to the ceiling and roof above, causing the frieze to be crushed in many areas.
Removal of the panelling was not a straightforward task due to the crash deck within the room as well as the delicacy and size of the panels. The main contractor’s own in-house joinery team thoroughly considered the best methodology before commencing work. They carried out a full-size survey and using datum points were able to take down individual sections for repair, setting them in a purpose made frame in the Long Gallery, working gradually down the length of the room so that sections were always in situ for reference purposes.
The techniques used for repair were dependent upon the nature of the defects. For example where plywood had been substituted for oak in the period when the Hall was an approved school, new seasoned English oak was used, to exactly match the existing panelled construction. As the majority of the panelling was primary 17th century work, a painstakingly conservative approach to the repairs was undertaken in the majority of cases. A range of reversible, non-destructive repairs were used, all concealed on the rear face. Many of these techniques involved thin stainless steel plates, bent on site to secure fractured joints or crushed panels.
The repaired panelling was refixed by reusing the locations for wedges of oak driven into the masonry backing. Lastly, the finish of the panelling was restored by refreshing the historic areas, and toning in the new parts, to form a harmonious whole. The result has been to return this beautiful historic interior to excellent order, whilst allowing a careful observer to read the history of the repairs.
BUILDING OWNER: ENGLISH HERITAGE
ARCHITECT: RODNEY MELVILLE & PARTNERS
BUILDER/MAIN CONTRACTOR: E.BOWMAN & SONS LTD
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS: SFK CONSULTING
JOINERY COMPANY: E.BOWMAN & SONS LTD
