The Bell Lantern

Introducing the full restoration of a Regency period Glass bell shaped Lantern/Cupola.
This was our most challenging restoration to date. Due to years of misguided maintenance and poor repairs the lantern had leaked for more than 2 decades. The elliptical baltic pine sill had rotted away so badly that the cast iron frame was distorting and in danger of collapse. After a thorough investigation of the construction, with an extremely experienced IHBC surveyor and conservation expert from HBA Neil England we devised a way forward.
As always, we use materials in a 'like for like' manner, what was there originally we put back as it was originally. This takes time to source our materials.
The baltic pine used in the sill construction had to be reclaimed for longevity and strength. The glass used had to be machine drawn restoration grade glass to emulate the 'waves' you would have seen when the lantern was first created. The centre piece in regency style, was cast in the same like for like fine casting plaster as it has been done for generations.
Where possible and practical we try and utilise the same techniques used. The timber sill was hand made not machined. All 360 individually shaped pieces of glass were cut on site and bedded down as it would have been in the 19th century.
We battled the wind, the sun and the rain but through it all the lantern now keeps the rain out and lets the sun shine through it in true Regency style.
If you have a project like this that need restoration or experienced maintenance then please get in touch using the links.