In early May, a major conservation project started on both the North and South facades of Waddesdon Manor. The Grade 1 listed building will be 150 years old in 2027, and in preparation of this anniversary, the conservation team are repairing, cleaning and replacing some of the pediments, the architectural stonework near the top of the Manor.
To provide safe access for the specialist masons and conservators to this normally inaccessible location, there are two areas of scaffolding – one on each side of the Manor. Not only does this allow the team to get close to the incredible architecture but it will allow them to safely carry out their detailed work which will take several months.
It was back in the 1870’s when Ferdinand de Rothschild began planning a stunning country house inspired by the châteaux of France and somewhere he could entertain guests and house his growing art collection. He employed Gabriel-Hippolyte Destailleur to build this French-style Manor and the founding stone was laid in 1877 on the 18th August. Destailleur brought in a team of stonemasons led by well-known French sculptor, Doussamy, who had collaborated with Destailleur before on Château Mouchy in France. A formidable talented team.
Ferdinand went to great lengths to make Waddesdon Manor the spectacular building it is today, and this included his decision to build with Bath Stone, a deep-cream coloured limestone from Stoke Ground Quarry near Bath. The same quarry that was used to supply the stone for the equally impressive Longleat House, three centuries earlier. However Ferdinand wanted the Manor to stand out and appear golden at the top of the hill. So he requested that a copperas, a dilute solution of iron sulphate to be used on the stone which gave it a deeper golden hue.
Now, nearly 150 years later, the stonework is understandably showing signs of weathering. A specialist conservation company, DBR, has been brought in to help repair and clean the stone and the many incredible sculptures high up on the Manor. There are beautiful swans, detailed heads of men, and even lions!
In some areas, lichen and moss have grown on the stone. A biocide is being used to kill these and their spores. The stone is also being steam cleaned and in other areas, a poultice of clay and ammonium carbonate is being used. This helps remove the black crust that has formed over the years.
The conservation team will also be replacing bits of stone detail and finally, they will be adding lead weathering to all projecting stonework. This will protect the stone from the weather in the future.
One area that will be getting special treatment, is an oeil-de-boeuf – a small circular window – on the South front. Just below the window are two names engraved in the stone – the architect, Destailleur and sculptor Doussamy.
A fitting tribute to their incredible work, designing and building Waddesdon Manor that remains a spectacular historic house 150 years later, and for future generations.
Click here to learn more about Conservation in Action at Waddesdon Manor.
