Our first of three in-person events for 2025 will be a close-up look with Tomas Griffin at the 2024 King of Prussia Gold Medal award-winning restoration of the Grade I listed building, St Peter's and St Paul's Church, Blandford Forum.
This project was a major campaign of works, including a complete re-laying of clay-tiled roof slopes, replacement of all lead-lined parapet gutters, introduction of background ventilation beneath gutters and into the roof voids, high-level masonry conservation, repointing and localised rebuilding of parapets.
A full scaffold with a sheeted roof was constructed over the nave, aisles and apse to facilitate the works. Within the roof voids, structural repairs were undertaken to roof timbers and vaulted ceiling timbers where these had become decayed due to rainwater ingress; the vaulted plaster ceilings were insulated with sheep wool, and new bat roosting features were installed alongside pigeon exclusion features.
Improvements were made to roof void access platforms for maintenance and educational visits. Within the body of the church, plaster repairs and conservation were undertaken throughout the aisles and to the apse hemi-dome ceiling, which was restored to full gilded glory using a decorative scheme informed by analysis of historic paint layers.
About the Speakers
Tomas Griffin, 2024 Young Church Architect of the Year, is an associate director at b2: Benjamin and Beauchamp architecture design conservation practice based in Wedmore, Somerset. He has worked on many notable projects across the South West, including this King of Prussia Gold Medal award-winning repair project at St Peter and St Paul, Blandford Forum.
Lucy Wright studied Art in a Community Context at Roehampton Institute, with a specialism in stained glass, before moving into stone conservation. Self-employed with 28 years of experience, she largely learned through practical on-site work, becoming proficient at stone repairs and colour-matching lime mortars and washes, and is a self-taught gilder. Based in Somerset, Lucy has worked on many historic buildings throughout the southwest and London, including the cathedrals of Exeter and Wells, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, the War Cloisters of Winchester College and Forde Abbey.
About the Church
St Peter's and St Paul's Church is one of the most notable examples of Georgian church architecture outside of London. It was reconstructed between 1732 and 1739 after a fire, using John and William Bastard's designs as a guide.
Unfortunately, water has seeped into the interior, causing damage to the plaster, and the exterior stonework has deteriorated significantly. A grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund was awarded in January 2019 to help with repairs to the complete roof, the parapet gutters, high-level masonry and interior plastering.
The restoration work was successfully completed in the autumn of 2022, addressing the various issues that had arisen over the years. This project not only preserved the church's architectural integrity but also ensured that it remains a cherished landmark for the community.
Agenda
- 2:00pm: Meet and registration
- 2:15pm: Presentation and tour of the completed project
- 4:15pm: Light refreshments and networking
Accessibility and inclusion
We strive to ensure our events are accessible to all. Occasionally, our offsite visits involve steps and uneven surfaces; contact us to discuss the accessibility for this event. Email: riba.southwest@riba.org
