Issue 40 winter 23 web - Flipbook - Page 11
controlled environment, consisting of tents and vacuum
air filters, which were designed to protect everyone and
everything within the space, including the works of art.”
superior to any ancient work; in fact, they are the best
tiles in the world and I think my patterns and your
workmanship go ahead of anything.”
Once the tiles were recorded to an agreed methodology,
which included a combination of physical and
photogrammetric surveys, the project then required a great
deal of skill from DBR’s stone masons. They had to work
with 1.5 millimetre joints, manage dust and moisture
control, carry out repairs to the sub floors to deal with
cracks and maintain the fine tolerances in the floor layout.
Echoing this statement, Attwood concludes, “Despite
multiple fires and even war, this iconic landmark has stood
strong over the centuries. The marvellous encaustic tiles
found throughout the Palace can be considered as much
a work of art as the glazing, murals and statuary, and we
are honoured to have worked with Strategic Estates to
help restore one of the site’s most beautiful and historically
significant architectural features for future generations to
appreciate and enjoy.”
While it was certainly a challenging task, the incomparable craftsmanship of the team—which consisted of the
same craftspeople throughout the entire duration of the
project—combined with a flexible and collaborative client
approach, meant the end result was one of the most
successful restorations the Palace has seen in decades.
For more information about DBR and its projects, visit:
www.dbrlimited.com.
A palace fit for a king - and for Parliament
The journey to restore the encaustic tiles was a long one,
and the challenges were many, however DBR’s 30+ years
of experience in conservation construction successfully
salvaged the renowned floors of St Stephen’s Hall, Central
Lobby, Peers' Lobby, the Royal Gallery and the Lower
Waiting Hall, as well as numerous corridors.
Remarking on the first tiles laid nearly two centuries ago,
Pugin wrote a letter to Herbert Minton of Thomas
Minton & Sons, in which he said, “I declare your St
Stephen’s tiles are the finest done in the tile way, vastly
Above, photograph ©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
Above, photograph ©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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