Liverpool Library

Leaded Lights . Glass Ceilings . Stained Glass

The Brief

We were contacted by a major contractor to restore two glass ceilings within the Liverpool Library.

One was a traditional leaded glass ceiling that comprised of six panes of curved glass glazed into wooden frames of which there were five giving a total of thirty lights for restoration. This is located in the Hornby room. Some of these were in a very poor condition and in great danger of falling potentially causing a great deal of damage and possibly injury. They were also in need of a thorough clean as it appeared that the last time any one had been in the void above them was during the Second World War – this was evidenced by the galvanised sand buckets for extinguishing incendiary bombs!

This project involved working at a great height and obviously health and safety was a major concern. All our workers carry CSCS cards and in this case we would not have been allowed to work with out them. After all safety induction processes were complete we were able to inspect the lights closely for the first time. We were pleased to advise that due to the method of installation we would be able (at no extra cost) to remove the wooden sub frames and complete the removal of the leaded lights back in our workshop. This was not only safer but enabled the frames to be more thoroughly restored by another contractor before we refitted the glazing.

The Solution

As part of the contract we carefully photographed each panel before dismantling and made careful note of any glass that needed to be replaced. Having supplied samples for approval prior to starting the work, we were able to get on with the careful restoration of the leaded lights bringing them back to their former glory.

All steel work was blast cleaned and powder coated and the steel subframes of the ventilated panels repaired and similarly refinished before reinstallation.

We were able to devise a method of fixing these frames securely to the wooden sub frames to prevent the situation arising again where by there was a danger of the panels falling out.

The Outcome

After installation it was possible to see this magnificent ceiling as it was originally intended.

The other ceiling was located in the Oak Room and comprised of a steel frame with etched glass inserts. These in no way complied with any modern safety requirements and we undertook to source replacement glass that looked the same but which was in fact suitable for such applications. We supplied various samples and the client selected our recommendation which we duly installed. Once again it was a privilege to be able to see the completed installation, which with the addition of period lighting, looked superb!

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