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It has been satisfying to follow the progress of the re-birth of the historic collection of camellias at Chiswick House. H+R undertook a series of timber investigations of the listed glasshouses hosting one of the world’s oldest camellia collections www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk Interestingly and coinciding with H+R’s extensive work currently and over the years for the City of London on their three wholesale markets at Smithfield, Billingsgate and Spitalfield, H+R have been following the City’s strategic plans. The hope is to create…

The year ahead is gathering pace with an exceptionally busy February including travel out of the country. H+R were commissioned to investigate and survey the American Naval Monument in Gibraltar with a focus on the masonry and gilded bronze embellishments. The massive structure is a well-known landmark in the town and used as a stepped thoroughfare by many citizens every day Back in the UK, an interesting selection of castles were surveyed for a range of issues including Broughton Castle…

Winter was busy as ever at H+R where our services were requested and employed at several large and small buildings across the UK In December, H+R undertook a survey of St Paul’s Methodist Chapel at Abergele in North Wales. Appointed by Circuit Cymru of the Methodist Church, the team surveyed the 19th Century limestone building designed in the Classical style by Richard Davies, Architect of Bangor.  During its peak it was in use by both Welsh and English congregations of…

A new year has started with a surge of interest in H+R’s services with the last quarter being one of the best on record in relation to enquiries received and commissions undertaken Buildings of the Queen Anne and early Georgian period have been notable in the month with significant properties in the Richmond-Upon-Thames area repeatedly coming to the fore including the magnificent Richmond Golf Club which as Studbrook House was designed in 1725 by James Gibbs who was also the…

In the lead up to Christmas, H+R’s teams were kept busy throughout the UK and there was a noticeable up tick in enquiries belying the economic headwinds affecting the country as a whole. This was particularly noticeable in one of H+R’s core markets within Belgravia, Mayfair and Kensington. The broad spread of H+R’s services have always helped strengthen the business even when there is a potential recession. On-going work on the timber structures at the Museum of Science and Technology…

In September H+R were appointed by Purcell on behalf of the Diocese of Salford to undertake a detailed condition survey of Salford Cathedral’s timber roof structure.  H+R involvement was part of the Cathedral Restoration project which will see the Cathedral close from March 2023 until 2024.  Built in the 1840s the Cathedral was the first cruciform Catholic church built in England since the reformation and architect Mathew Ellison Hadfield took inspiration from medieval churches in Selby and Liege.  The Cathedral…

The usual geographical spread of project work has been undertaken in the month with a range of fascinating buildings. In no particular order, these have included the Old Leather Warehouse in Bermondsey High Street, Broadoaks Mansion in West Byfleet, Dover Castle, Weeting Castle in Norfolk and Hill House School in Lymington. The latter is a recognised school for autistic children and the managers needed advice on upgrading the delicately moulded and decorative sash windows. More time has been spent in…

Return visits to Scotland were undertaken in the month including maintaining the H+R Curator rainwater drainage alarm system at Balnagown Castle. H+R also provided further investigative consultancy at the Scottish National Gallery and also at Ramsay Gardens. The latter is an interesting 1890s tenement building developed by the botanist and urban planner Patrick Geddes. H+R have been advising on its progressive refurbishment for several year Work continues for several contractor clients at the new Museum of London development centred on…

During the month, there has been more of an emphasis on work in the Midlands and North of England with additional support provided from Oxford and Surrey offices. Particular projects of note have included Salford Cathedral, the refurbishment of the Rutland Mills complex in llkeston and the Ainscough Mill complex in Lancashire. In addition, the work resumed at Leeds Central High School and the former Kings School in Macclesfield Numerous church investigations have taken place throughout Northern England and Wales:…

In May H+R were appointed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to undertake a timber and damp survey of Redcar Central Station.  The Grade II listed station was constructed in 1861 by the Stockton and Darlington Railway.  The building had been in use as a railway station until the late 20th Century before it was adapted into Redcar Station Business Centre.  The building has been vacant since 2014 and had been targeted by lead thieves resulting in extensive damage to…

H+R’s involvement in the planned refurbishment of the Great Hall at St Bartholomew’s Hospital (‘Barts’) in London has involved a lot of investigative work, part of our input being the deployment of a Rothound. Pip gained substantial publicity in the national press and on TV as her visit coincided with National Dogs Day. The Great Hall forms part of the ongoing hospital refurbishment and dates to 1732 Heritage work for institutions such as Greenwich University, Haileybury School and Oriel College,…

  H+R were pleased to see the publicity surrounding the launch of the newly remodeled Municipal Bank in Birmingham. The 1930s neoclassical building has now become The Exchange. Make Architects have done a superb job together with Donald Insall Associates and Glancy Nicholls. The building sits prominently in Centenary Square. H+R provided detailed investigative consultancy covering retained moisture in the masonry masses, dry rot infection and the condition of the plaster finishes. Of notable interest were the glorious Art Deco mirrored…