When tasked with restoring the lobby of a Grade II* hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, we knew the project would test every facet of our conservation and plaster restoration expertise.
Years of water ingress had caused severe structural decay, compromising the ceiling joists and washing lime out of the original plaster. Our goal was clear: stabilise the structure, preserve original detailing, and restore the space with absolute respect for its historic fabric.
Assessing the Damage
Investigations revealed that continuous water exposure over a 5–8 year period had left the ceiling joists rotten and the lime plaster unstable.
The ceiling’s lath work could not be saved, and much of the coarse lime layer had deteriorated beyond repair. Despite this, the ornate enrichments, central boss, and dressed frieze still offered a chance to retain a connection to the original craftsmanship.
Preserving and Re-casting the Enrichments
Working closely with heritage plaster expert Keith and his team — renowned for their mastery in lime and fibrous plaster restoration — they approached the enrichment preservation with surgical precision to ensure nothing was lost:
Silicone squeezes were taken from every decorative element before removal. Each piece was mapped, catalogued, and labelled for accurate reinstatement.
The dressed frieze, around 40% of the ceiling enrichments, and the main central boss were successfully salvaged.
All enrichments were re-cast using lime putty and plaster of Paris, just as the originals would have been made. No binders such as hessian or hair were present in the original gauge, confirming a faithful reproduction process.
Replacing the Structure with Lightweight Integrity
Given the weakened structure, we replaced all ceiling joists and introduced a new, stable framework. Because weight loading was a key consideration, we proposed a fibrous plaster plain-face ceiling — offering both strength and reduced mass compared to traditional solid lime plaster.
This approach provided a secure foundation for re-inserting the salvaged enrichments, ensuring long-term stability without compromising authenticity.
Blending Old and New
Once the structural and decorative components were in place, careful finishing and blending began: The dressed frieze was reinstated in full, maintaining its original rhythm around the perimeter. The central boss was re-mounted, anchoring the ceiling’s design. Subtle lime finishes were applied to harmonise new work with old, achieving a seamless aesthetic that honours the building’s history.
The result was a harmonious dialogue between heritage and modern craftsmanship, where every saved detail told part of the building’s story.
The renovation was a complete success.
Lath and Plaster 