Paine's Chapel at Cusworth Hall

Abstract

The key to a successful conservation project rests on a sound understanding of the history of the site, its significance, and the materials and structure of its construction; the building envelope is a complex assembly which requires co-ordinated, multidisciplinary evaluation. The 2000–07 restoration of Cusworth Hall, Doncaster, provides an excellent illustration of how a logically phased programme results in a sympathetic and sustainable outcome benefiting not only the building but also the wider community. This paper describes the re-presentation of the chapel which commenced in 2000 with historic paint analysis. A significant result of these investigations was the discovery of hidden figurative paintings on the plaster ceiling. Subsequently, and with further funding in place, the interior of the chapel was restored in 2005–06 as part of a major renovation of the house. The project was subdivided into several categories of conservation expertise, including the suspension and repair of the plaster ceiling, uncovering of ceiling paintings, conservation and reinstatement of a large oil painting, redecoration using bespoke lead paints, and materials analysis leading to the repair and stabilization of the original red plaster floor.