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Roman Bath Museum - Bath

Conservation of the East Baths

This part of the world renowned museum consists principally of a Roman hypocaust and associated walls, drainage channels and floors. Substantial Georgian masonry arches are above the Roman archaeology. Conservation was carried out in close co-operation with the archaeologist and the City of Bath conservation department.

A very large quantity of debris was removed from the site including all the impermeable material such as cement render and concrete floors that had been introduced in previous restorations.

Following trials, poultices were applied to stone surfaces in order to soften the dirt and start the process of desalination. All surfaces were brushed and vacuumed and a very limited amount of water was used to clean the pilae tiles. In order to reduce the decay caused by salt crystallisation, porous mortars and even a porous band of limestone were introduced around all original fabric; the mortars contained carefully graded crushed brick in order to provide both strength and porosity.

Replacement tiles for the pilae were hand made to match the size, colour and texture of the originals and areas of original flooring were consolidated using large quantities of lime render.

Architect: David McLaughlin
Client: Bath & North East Somerset Council