Thornaby Town Hall restoration project, update on plasterwork repairs

Another site visit to Grade II Listed Thornaby Town Hall this week to check on the ongoing lime plaster repair and restoration work. We were pleased to see that work on the back wall, where the cornice and ornamentation had to be removed as it was so damaged, now has been replaced. A new curved timber supports and more durable stainless steel rib lath has replaced the old rotted galvanised steel.

Craftsman Jack and apprentice Joe, spent last week repairing and preparing this area of the Civic Suite ready for the next step in this massive restoration project. The old timber cornice supports have been replaced with new, ready to be lathed. Samples of all areas of plasterwork; ceiling, cornice, wall and decorative ornamentation, were sent to away for content analysis. As this is a Grade II Listed building, all materials used must be like for like or similar for a sympathetic restoration.

We need to re-lath and plaster the area to regain the curve of the ceiling edge. We also still need make a match existing cornice that will sit on the timber supports. Once these are done, the wall will be replastered and then the process of reapplying the ornamental plasterwork can begin.