A GRAND CIVIC BUILDING
In autumn 2018, Stone Edge completed a major restoration project at Smethwick Council House,
a Grade II listed civic building in the heart of the Black Country. The Town Hall building, which
was constructed in the early 20th century boasts a splendid terracotta façade. ‘Terracotta’, literally
translated, means ‘baked earth’; it is a form of fired clay. Most commonly, we think of clay in the form
of bricks and tiles – but terracotta used in the facades of historic buildings is made from a far more
finely-milled material, containing fewer impurities. This means it can be used to create much finer
detail and a far sharper finish. The hollow masonry block-work used here was at its height of popularity
during the Victorian period.
INTRICATE TERRACOTTA WORKS
To remedy the situation, work was required to the front elevation and both side elevations. A number of repair techniques were required, depending on the degree of damage. Some pots needed crack repairs, others required new material to be fixed to the original pots. The worst damaged of all needed to be replaced, by newly manufactured units of terracotta, which were inserted after the damaged pot was cut out.
Careful consideration was needed to some elements of the work. Some of the damaged terracotta pots form part of the pediment, and are attached to a steelwork beam behind them. Stone Edge was responsible for investigating the exact construction of the pots and the wall they form part of, measuring and taking moulds to manufacture replacement parts. We also designed the methodology for the repairs and replacement of blocks, and for the removal and and fixing of the new blocks to the steelwork. Adequate propping was required, to preserve the stability of the structure and carry the work out safely.
TAKING CARE OF THE DETAILS
Beyond the intricate, specialist terracotta work, our contract also included re-pointing, window repairs and
cleaning of the facades. Even the smallest features were important. Our leadworkers carefully reinstated
the fine lead details on the building’s crest.
The lion had lost his tail and arrow, which were duly replaced and painted, with the design copied from historic drawings. The knot on the side of the lion represents the county of Staffordshire.
UP ON THE ROOF
