Tag: restoring

Restored Cornice in St. Brigid’s Church

Last week we finished the restoration of some cornice in St’ Brigids Church, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow. The Cornice was so big we had to do it in three sections, to be sure the weight would not jeopardize the original ceilings. After it was run out by hand in the factory we got good use of all of last weeks spectacular sunshine to get it dry enough to fit!

These type of jobs is one of the best parts here at Carlow Cornice & Mouldings Ltd. It is a real privilege to be a part of restoring the historical heritage of Ireland, free for everyone to enjoy. From the smallest cup for light fittings and  cottage coving to large intricate plaster art in the shape of panel work, cornice and centerpieces.  And when we are not preserving traditional craftsmanship, we are happy to add the beautiful pieces to your home.

 

Pictures form St. Brigid’s

First off, get a big hole!
First off, get a big hole!
Attached the new base
Attached the new base
Add the two additional lengths for the detail
Add the two additional lengths for the detail

 

Voila! Cornice restored, just waiting for a lick of paint

 

The art of running cornice

After yesterdays short interview on KCLR96FM we’ve been getting a few questions about the secrets behind running cornice. We decided to give you a bit of a sneak peak when Brian runs some bespoke cornice as a part of a restoration job in a Victorian house in Dun Laoghaire.It is a long process requiring not only exceptional skill but great patience. If the cornice has enrichments they are cast separately and fitted in situ.

The principle is straightforward, a perfect shape of the cornice and casting plaster, the details are trade secrets! Speaking of that, back in the day the trade secrets were kept close and often the doors would be locked as the craftsmen ran out the cornice by hand on the ceilings.

The story starts with some mesh for support and a layer of plaster

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We pour the hand mixed plaster by hand

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Slowly building the base

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A shape is starting to be pulled through

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A good few more layers added on  and the design of the cornice has started to come through

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Some closeups

triple close up

Finished! All it needs now is a few days to dry out naturally and the to its off to its proper home.
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If you have cornice that has seen better days, but you don’t want to loose the original designs, give us a shout on 059 9143930