Restoring
Period Property's Interior
Somersal Hall, Somersal Herbert
- Derbyshire.
Somersal Hall is an outstanding Grade
I listed Elizabethan Hall - one of very few large timber
framed buildings to be found in Derbyshire.
The house was built in 1564 for John
Fitzherbert although it incorporates an older Great Hall
from around the year 1500. Later additions were made in
1712 and 1850 but these have not detracted from its basic
Elizabethan character. The entrance side has its original
close narrow upright stud timbering with motif decoration
and an extraordinary array of gables and overhangs.
 The
scope of the restoration project was wide and covered the
restoration and conservation of the Grand Hall, windows,
doors, panelling and a period ogee oak fire surround within
the house.
In the Grand Hall, the 19th century
floor required gentle cleaning and refinishing with traditional
materials in order to maintain the signs of age and patina.
The 18th century panelling had many honest repairs and
additions throughout, each area had its own finish and
materials, therefore a blend of oils, waxes and shellacs
was required to gently revive the patina of sections of
panelling.
Windows of Oak had several rotten glazing beads replaced
with English Oak and left unfinished to turn a natural
silver grey.
 The main bedroom is fitted with very
impressive wall panelling, inherited from another building
many years ago. The panelling is early 18th century
with period pine faux doors as part of the fixture. Scumble
residue had to be reduced and the original oil finish revived. Also
a period style fireplace required making and fitting, taking
details from around the house.
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A closet had a section of panelling created to cloak
an unsightly water tank. Details such as carvings and
moulding were adapted to give the Screen an authentic
appearance, helping to blend the new area with the
original. |
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