Kelmarsh Hall Great Hall and South Stair

Campbell Smith were appointed to conserve the existing 1950’s John Fowler/Nancy Lancaster decorative scheme in the Great Hall and South Stair at Grade I Listed Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire. The decoration was in a poor state, with widespread peeling and flaking paint caused by water ingress and lack of heating.

The damaged paint film was cleaned by dry brushing and an application of de-ionised water to minimize loss of the damaged surface, and carefully conserved using techniques agreed with the Conservation Officer. Wherever possible, flaking paint was re-adhered and smoothed using heated spatulas. Where paint was already missing, the surface was fine filled, and colour matched to the surrounding decoration using artist’s media.