Hayles and Howe provide a consultation service for many public buildings, including Theatres, Museums, Libraries, Schools, Churches and Palaces. David Harrison (Managing Director) and Martyn Watchurst (Restorations Manager) have successfully surveyed and reported on the plasterwork of many buildings both Nationally and Internationally.
Over the years Hayles and Howe have worked in many historic public buildings, creating detailed reports that reflect extensive studies of their plasterwork, history and structure. If possible all our inspections are fitted around times where the building is not in use, particularly in regard to theatres where work is often carried out in 'dark' periods.
Our Services include combinations of the following:
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An inspection and/or survey that provides a report on the condition of a plaster ceiling, these can be visual inspection from the floor, or a closer inspection using a tower scaffold or rope access as required
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Certification that a ceiling is safe and secure for insurance purposes (Certificates are issued for a discrete period of time and can only be issued following an inspection)
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Carrying out emergency repairs following an inspection to ensure that a building can remain in use
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Providing recommendations on repairs and restoration that should be carried out and the long term preservation of historic plasterwork
Central Hall, Westminster
Hayles and Howe have been looking after the fibrous plaster in Central Hall for over seven years performing annual safety inspections and running repairs. The reinforced concrete dome in this Edwardian Baroque style building is one of the largest in the world and since 1912 the building has hosted international events including the Inaugural session of the United Nations in 1946.
Many of Hayles and Howe's staff have worked at Central Hall over the years, Martyn Watchurst and David Harrison in particular have enjoyed a long and successful working relationship with the Central Hall Management Team.
At present the company is investigating the beautiful fibrous dome to ascertain how it was originally structured. To help with this David Harrison has visited the archives of the V&A researching the detailed reflected ceiling plans of the hall.
