Polychrome & Decorative Surfaces

The interior decoration of ecclesiastical buildings dating from the early middle ages to the 20th century can provide essential clues to the re-ordering of churches over the years

We are experienced in schemes of all ages, ranging from delicate fragments of medieval plaster with frescos and early decoration, through to late Victorian scraffito murals. Mortar, pigments and binding materials can differ greatly, and the expertise and techniques applied by SSHC have been carefully developed and sensitively implemented. We are able to carry out detailed analysis of a scheme in order to interpret layers and assess stability, thereby determining the most appropriate course of action.

On behalf of Thomas Ford and Partners we are very pleased to say that it has been a delight working with you, all of your colleagues and the client team on this project. The quality of the completed work is exceptional. And the positive and encouraging spirit brought into the project by everyone has carried us along beautifully.

Barbara Singer, Thomas Ford Partnership - All Saints Church, Snodland

As we approach final few days of our project it gives me enormous pleasure to say that the work has been completed to a very high standard and that as a team it has been a joy to work together.

Cdr R Dean - St John's Church, Yeovil

As Churchwarden, I am therefore writing on behalf of the PCC to congratulate you and to thank you most sincerely for the time and effort you have put into this project. The work done on the Monuments has transformed the Church, the Vestry most of all, and given us a place of worship we can be really proud.

Colonel Andrew Duncan LVO OBE - Fifehead Church, Dorset

I am very impressed with the level of detail provided in the report, both the Word document with the very helpful photographs, and the Excel document which is little short of a masterpiece.

Mark Taylor - Beech Tyldesley

Everyone is delighted with the way you have restored the church and full of praise for your team. It is quite a resurrection and a work of which you can be proud. It is a bonus that we have all so enjoyed working with your team. Many grateful thanks.

All Saints Church - Lullington, Frome

The phasing of the works you undertook was always going to be difficult and I would like to thank you for working with us on finding solutions. Jake Motley and James Routledge were great ambassadors for your business and were a credit to your company. It was a pleasure to see craftsmen taking such pride in the quality of their work.

David Snell - Kier Construction

Your work on the restoration of the Perseus and Andromeda Fountain at Witley Court is exceptional and was recognised by the judging panel as outstanding.

Brian Marsh OBE - Marsh Christian Trust

Thank you for all the efficiency and excellent quality which you have applied to this highly successful project.

Ian Angus, Carden & Godfrey - All Saints Church, Nuneham Courtenay

I feel I must say a very special thank you to you and your team not only from myself, but also on behalf of the PCC, Fabric Committee and the congregation and people of Podimore. The result is far beyond anything we had expected and has resulted in lots of positive comments. The tower is now restored as a local landmark and the focus of the village as it would have been when it was originally built.

J.C.R. Webb - Yeovilton with Podimore Parochial Church Council

Case Studies

The Kimble Font

This beautiful font contains significant evidence of historic polychrome. A report previously written by SSHC Ltd showed how the font was compromised by an unstable floor. Evidence of salt efflorescence and high moisture readings showed the step upon where it stood was acting as a wick drawing up excess moisture.

The Easter Sepulchre

This beautiful Easter Sepulchre is a significant example of the move towards the Renaissance displaying high quality carving with exceptional level of detail and extensive areas of historic paint (polychrome).

The Reredos: St Michael and All Angels, Stewkley

The Stewkley Reredos was designed by GE Street in 1862, a leading practitioner of the Victorian Gothic Revival. The programme began with structural investigations to look at movement and its causes; the decision was then made to extensively dismantle parts of the reredos in order to remove the iron cramps. These were found to be heavily corroded, and no longer adequately supported the backing panels of the reredos, leading to significant structural instability.