These two historic shopfront restoration case studies, in neighbouring Soho, show how attention to detail greatly enhances appearance and commercial viability. The sequence was the same in both cases: historical and paint research, paint stripping using Peelaway, timber repairs and reinstatement of missing details, and application of interesting historic colours.
88, Dean Street was awarded the Georgian Group’s annual prize.
Meard Street
This shopfront in Meard Street, Soho, was probably installed in the mid-19th century but the three-pane arrangement appeared to be a later modification.During stripping the paintwork, the position of the original glazing bars was revealed around the original main frame (the triangle at the centre of the picture). Both Historic England and Westminster City Council were keen to see the original 15-pane shopfront restored and the lessee agreed to pay for these works.Joiner Peter Maynard re-created the original glazing bars whose profile was copied from 88, Dean Street where he also worked on restoring the very fine c. 1790 shopfront.The completed work was painted in Dulux Heritage Spanish Brown (glazing bars) and gloss after testing various colours on site. This project also involved restoring the c. 1725 interior panelling which had been hidden behind false walls.
88 Dean Street
88, Dean Street 1905, courtesy of the London Metropolitan Archives. An early 20th century drawing. Courtesy the London Metropolitan Archives.Before restoration works: L to R, Romil Patel proprietor; Dianne Beattie, Heritage of London Trust, who supported the works; and David Bieda, pro bono conservation adviser. 88, Dean Street has one of the finest Georgian shopfronts in London but its unusual detailing had been obscured by years of neglect.Patrick Baty carried out paint research to ascertain how far back the paint layers went and to ascertain the colours.Peelaway was applied to remove a multiplicity of paint layers. This enabled an assessment of timber repairs needed and the fine grain stripping of the unusually detailed wood carving.The façade stripped and repaired, showing the unusual rope carving with a harp at the top.Painting completed in Dulux Heritage gloss Olive Green and Walnut, two colours much used in the early 19th century.Signwriter John Hayden applied gold leaf to the fascia board, one of several processes.The shopfront completed, with Romil Patel, John Hayden and David Bieda.The Georgian Group award citation and some press coverage.
