Findlater’s Corner Shortlisted

Our Findlater’s Corner works are now complete with the project hailed a huge success by all involved. Working as Specialist Sub-Contractor for ITC on this restoration & refurbishment project, the Restore London team were initially appointed to carry out detailed surveys & samples for the project, located within London Bridge Island.

Working in collaboration with the project team including ITC, Frankham Group & Benedict O’Looney Architects the flagship scheme forms part of a plan to bring 1000 derelict railway arches back to life by 2030. A number of heritage groups have also joined to support this landmark restoration project, these include the Heritage of London Trust, The Railway Heritage Trust, and Southwark Council Cleaner, Greener, Safer fund.

A large mosaic was discovered under the railway bridge over Borough High Street by famous mosaicist Jesse Rust & formed part of a fancy shopfront to The Dairy Express Tea Rooms, built circa 1905. Working closely with Benedict O’Looney Architects, our team developed a range of options for the Client to ensure the conservation of the mosaic in line with budgetary, material & programme constraints.

Architectural restoration aims to restore buildings to their former condition, with restoration efforts centred upon recreation of the appearance of the building. If / where material replication is not physically possible, practicable or in some cases desirable, the restoration process does not always mean exact replication & innovative & contemporary solutions are sometimes required to uphold the building’s heritage value.

The original mosaic was very gently hand cleaned to expose artwork. At the request of the professional team, Restore London developed & implemented a unique solution to ensure the sympathetic preservation of the original mosaic within project parameters. An extensive colour matching exercise was undertaken and the mosaic repaired by specialist, intricate painting of the missing tesserae which has rendered spectacular results. It was always intended for the intervention carried out to be identifiable.

We are also pleased to report that the project has been shortlisted for The Architect’s Journal Retrofit Awards in the retail category, with the awards ceremony to be held in March 2023.

“Working with the Restore London team on this exceptional renovation project has been a delight. From the quality of the workmanship produced to the expert advice and liaison with the professional team to the project management & site teams assigned, we couldn’t fault them from start to finish” – Nick Hoy, Project Director for Principal Contractor ITC.

Restore London works have delighted the professional team and we are pleased that our extensive experience has allowed a unique option to be implemented to ensure the conservation of this original piece of London’s architectural heritage.