For many that decide to renovate old buildings, decorative plasterwork may appear in such a bad state of repair that total removal seems to be the only alternative.
There are, however, a small group of talented and highly skilled craftsmen who are able to painstakingly restore the intricate and delicate plasterwork, one such group of craftsman are Derbyshire business Darley Classic Mouldings.
In 2014 The Old Bell Hotel, a 17th century grade II listed building, steeped in local history set about a total restoration and enlisted the services of Darley Classic Period Mouldings to help out.
Ian Fearn the owner of Darley Classic Mouldings talks us through the work undertaken;
Damaged cornice had been chopped through years ago. Templates were taken and moulds made in our workshop that fully restored the area making good the existing cornice ready for decoration. (Before and After 1 image)
There was excessive damage to the ballroom bar area. Moulds and squeezes were taken on site, the cornice was made and fitted then the enrichment was inlaid. The enriched under beam panel was also fitted to a plain beam in the same area with a plain moulded edge to balance things out. (Before and After 2 image)
Beams had been chopped off so that stage lights could be hung from the wooden sections under the plasterwork. Moulds were taken and all made in our workshop and fitted ready for decoration. (Before and After 3 image)
Decorative door mouldings had been damaged, we re-moulded and replaced the damaged area and fitted a plain over door top molding. (Before and after 4 image)
Central pillars were taken down years ago and were badly damaged. The pillar bases and tops were virtually non existent but there was just enough to take a template to remake. All four pillars were repaired and caps and bases attached.
The pillars when repaired and re-fitted, put the finishing touch to the beautiful ballroom. (Before and after 5 image)
Darley Classic Period Mouldings are used and recommended by the National Trust, English Heritage and are on the Derbyshire County Councils Historic Craft Register.
