Albarius Limited
Tel: 01296 682741
Specialists in the restoration and conservation of plasterwork to historic buildings
Historic Buildings & Monuments
We are proud to have been part of major restoration projects for several of the country's leading heritage buildings and stately homes. We have had the priviledge of working with prominent organisations such as the National Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Our portfolio of historic buildings and monuments documents some of the buildings that we have taken part in restoring to their former glory.
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Stowe House
Stowe House is a major work of architecture set in magnificent landscaped gardens. It was built in the 1680's and renovated throughout the 18th Century by some of the best architects of the period.
The Stowe House Preservation Trust was established in 1997 to restore one of Britains finest 18th Century houses and preserve it for the benefit of the nation. No major restoration or renovation work had been carried out at Stowe since the 1860's.
Works Carried Out:
Reinstating of a self coloured hydraulic lime render to the North Elevation of Stowe House required to be maintenance free for 80 years.
For further information, please visit the Stowe House Preservation Trust website.
The Corinthian Arch, Stowe Gardens
Situated within the 700 acres of spectacular historic parkland, the Corinthian Arch stands at the top of the Grand Avenue en-route to the South Front entrance to Stowe House.
The monument was designed by Thomas Pitt in the 18th Century as a symbol of wealth and influence. It is constructed of Helmdon and Windrush stone and stands sixty feet high and wide with a four storey house built into each side.
Works Carried Out:
Run in situ decorative external cornice in hydraulic lime mortar and Run in situ and free hand coffered arch soffit in putty lime mortar.
For more information about Stowe Gardens, please visit the National Trust website.
Knebworth House
Knebworth House has been the country seat of the Lytton family since 1490. Originally a red-brick Tudor manor house, it was transformed in 1843 into the current gothic inspired building with turrets, griffins and gargoyles which remain to this day.
Works Carried Out:
Replacement of self coloured hydraulic lime external render and Run in situ hydraulic lime cornices and mouldings.
For further information, please visit the Knebworth House website.
The Saracens Head & Old Grammar School
Winner of the BBC Restoration Programme in 2004.
Built in 1492 as a tudor house, the Saracens Head became an inn at around the turn 19th Century. With the Old Grammar School it is considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval buildings in Birmingham. The building has been enhanced with the addition of a glass extension and is being used as a building for the local community.
Works Carried Out:
Wattle and Daub in fill panels with lime render to exterior. Lime plaster to interior.
For further information, please visit the BBC Restoration Programme website.
The photos of the Saracen's Head and the Old Grammar School are courtesy of Historic Kings Norton.
The Darnley Mausoleum, Gravesend
A runner up of the BBC Restoration Programme in 2003.
Designed in 1783 by James Wyatt for the 3rd Earl of Darnley this building has never actually been used for burials. The Darnley Mausoleum is, however, considered to be one of Britain's finest examples of a Neo-classical building of its age. Visible from a significant distance, the mausoleum is situated on Williams Hill at the highest point of Cobham Park.
Works Carried Out:
Restoration of ornate plaster domed ceiling following fire damage.
For further information, please visit the BBC Restoration Programme website.
The exterior photo of the Darnley Mausoleum is courtesy of the Cobham Ashenbank Management Scheme.
Additional Photos of our Historic Buildings & Monuments Portfolio
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