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Crown Trade Supports Historic Restoration

Crown Trade Supports Historic Restoration Posted on 6 September 2024

Photograph of renovated Coombe Cliff Conservatory

Crown Trade has provided products for the award-winning restoration of a historic conservatory in London.

Coombe Cliff Conservatory, a Grade II listed cast iron structure used as an events venue within the grounds of Horniman Museum and Gardens in London, has recently been transformed with a significant restoration. 

Leading strategic outsourcing and energy services company Mitie Property Services preserved the conservatory’s metalwork with Crown Trade products, with the project recently awarded a Painting and Decorating Association Premier Trophy Award in the Decorative Category.

Mitie Property Services recognised the importance of preserving the Victorian building’s metal structure, so Crown Trade High Build Micaceous Iron Oxide was chosen to provide a barrier against corrosion for up to 15 years; safeguarding the conservatory from the elements and ensuring the longevity of the restoration work.

Ideal for exterior metalwork, Crown Trade High Performance Gloss for Metal was also specified to provide a durable long lasting finish, ensuring excellent adhesion and gloss retention.

The innovative and sustainable approach taken by Mitie Property Services included recycling all paint tins used during the restoration via Crown Trade’s Can Back scheme. The scheme is open to all Crown Decorating Centre account holders and encourages decorators to return empty paint cans free of charge so they can be recycled.  

Additionally, the structure’s distinctive fish-scale glazing was carefully removed, numbered, and set aside for reinstallation. This meticulous process not only preserved the original materials but also minimised breakages, further reducing the environmental impact of the restoration.

Julie Gardner, Specification Sales Manager at Crown Paints, said: “The successful completion of the Coombe Cliff Conservatory restoration was no mean feat, so it’s wonderful that Mitie Property Services has been recognised by the Painting and Decorating Association at the Premier Trophy Awards.

“We’re so proud to have contributed to this award-winning project, with our products not only serving to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the conservatory but also ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations.”

Doug Tibbetts, Regional Manager at Mitie Property Services said: “The Premier Trophy Award win is a testament to the attention to detail of our team and our partners behind the Coombe Cliff Conservatory project.

“A special thanks to the expert specification team Crown Trade, who have ensured our hard work will stand the test of time. It’s safe to say we’ve set a new benchmark when it comes to historical restoration.”

The project involved external and internal redecoration overseen by architects Donald Insall Associates and quantity surveyors A J Oakes & Partners. 

Subcontractors BVL Scaffolding, Access All Areas and XFabrications were also key in ensuring the structural integrity and accessibility needed for the restoration.

To find out more about Crown’s product range and specification services, visit: www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/specification-services