Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
was then carefully raked out for later pointing to match the rule-pointed finish
of the surrounding original (Fig. 52).
Figure 52
The finished plinth
a few months later
after some gentle
weathering and
prior to pointing.
(Courtesy of Ana
Dolan)
We face many other challenges at Jigginstown but the importance of this
first step cannot be underestimated. The restored section brick plinth is now
beginning to weather and has lost the 'new' look. This work is just the first part
of a long process in consolidating the structure, making it structurally safe,
and presenting it to visitors. The primary concern now is to find a match for
the red facing brick so that the next phase of work can continue after the cut
and rubbed plinthed work is repaired and secure. The decorated heads of sev-
eral of the large window openings are extremely unstable and some will have
to be re-built. The internal splayed jambs of the windows, which are also of
cut and rubbed bricks, will have to be built up to support the wide flat arches
overhead. We may need to replace areas of exterior facing bricks in order to
stabilise the main walls. Following recommendation, we have the services of
John Addison, a pragmatic Structural Engineer with a real grasp of tradition-
ally built masonry, to assist us with the works programme.
Our Historic Brickwork Consultant's role has been central in helping us
with our examination of the building and understanding of the seventeenth-
century construction techniques, and as a master craftsman, in how best to go
about the numerous works of repairing and restoring the brickwork. He has
played a key part in sourcing handmade materials and facilitating our conser-
vation training requirements. His unique skill is a combination of his many
years of hands-on training backed up with vast practical site experience and his
passion for historical detailing. The Jigginstown project has been fortunate to
benefit from all aspects of skills and personality.
