OXFORD UNION FIREPLACE

Dismantling,conservation of victorian fireplace

         The original union debating hall was built in the 1857 by Benjamin Woodward and     

         Deane of Dublin. This Gothic style oblong room is now used as a library by students.

         It is however famous for its Pre-Raphaelite wall paintings in the vaulted roof space.

         The fireplace was located in the centre of the room with an opening either side and a

         flue leading underground to act as a chimney. Constructed from sandstone, marble

         and tiles it had been heavily over painted. Tests show that the earliest, chalk and

         lithopone dated from the 1890's but later oil bound distempers were used during the

         1920's and 30's, the gild over paint was made of copper filings and shellac.

       Work caried out included;

• Analysing the paint scheme
• Dismantling the fireplace, removing the paint and ferrous cramps
• Rebuild core
• Rebuild fireplace repairing cracks in the marble top
• Mortar repairs
• Repaint and regild
• Clean marble from stains
• Lay new hearth tiles

Client: Oxford University Union
Consultant: D.Warr, Oxford Architects.