It has been three months since work began on the Bonsall Framework Knitters’ Workshop, and the building is transforming in front of our eyes. Here’s where things stand.
Repointing
The repointing work is simply beautiful. Seeing the stonework brought back to life- carefully repaired using lime mortar in keeping with the original build – is one of those things that makes you stop and stare. It’s painstaking work and the results speak for themselves.
The roof
The roof restoration is nearly completed. The team are working with the original mix of stone tiles and Staffordshire Blue. Almost all of them are the tiles that were on the shop, with just 100 or so more blues to fill in the gaps now they’re spaced a little more evenly. It feels right that a building restored to its original purpose should also be restored with its original materials.
The windows
The wide workshop windows- a defining feature of any framework knitting workshop, designed to flood the workspace with light so knitters could work through the day – have been taken away for restoration. We can’t wait to see them back in place. They’re going to look stunning.
The plaster
Inside, the lime and hemp plaster has had a tough few weeks drying out in the wet weather we’ve had. The warmer, drier conditions are finally helping it along and making life considerably more pleasant for Andrew and the team up on the scaffolding!
In pictures
A few highlights from the last three months.
We’ll have more updates as the work progresses. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest.
The Bonsall Framework Knitters’ Workshop restoration is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to preserve and restore this piece of Bonsall’s history. The project is also supported by the Historic Houses Foundation.
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