Online - Georgian 101

[Penners]

I like the artwork above the bed. Playboy centrefold, Miss July 1875?

 

[JoceAndChris]

:lol: But ooh - spot on with the date Mr P. A* for you. It is in fact Comerre's version of Danae getting a visit from Jupiter, in the form of golden rain (as I'm sure you're well aware).

 

[Penners]

That Jupiter, eh? What a lad...!

 

[atlasfever]

Hi Folks, Thanks!

Ok, I'm taking your feedback about the fireplace, that creating a box might just be "oh, hiding a fireplace w an ugly box." Good point. I think you just decided something for me!

Regarding the cornice, thanks also. I think I will keep it consistent with the less fancy cornice of the other bedrooms. I hope Kevin from Grand Designs agrees Though, your feedback raises a cornice question for me:

More Questions:
1. Cornice continued: When I called a couple of cornice companies (in google, randomly), they suggested that they can make a copy or use one of their designs and the plaster cornice is made and then shipped over to my flat. I always thought that cornice was made in made in the flat, by slapping the plaster up there and either dragging a form along or, I suppose, by stamping the plaster with a 'reverse mould.' Has the latter practice ended and now it's only made to measure and then installed? Would anyone recommend a service in central london? I would need cleaning/fixing/copying of an original mould, and creation of a new cornice.

2. Modern-ish Georgian: Does anyone know of a georgian townhouse that was conserved/refurbed, but ended up with a somewhat modern feel? Not just kitchen cabinets, but lighting, floors, bathroom tiles, etc? Maybe a photo link if you know of a site?

3. Chandeliers: Any suggestions for chandeliers? I have an interest in a glass/crystal/acrylic type, and I"m not a fan of the gold/brass version though I believe that's more traditional. Suggestions for sites, or places where I can find them at a good deal?

Thanks very much!

 

[atlasfever]

Oops... forgot to add:

To the Cornice question, I was looking to re-instate some of the ceiling roses and decorative plaster designs on the ceiling (I don't know what this is called, but it looks like decorative icing on a wedding cake I have no idea how expensive this would be though, so maybe I'll have to drop the idea before it even materializes -- Unfortunately, the previous owners plasterboarded the orig ceiling, so I can't make out the original design.

Thanks!

 

[LadyArowana]

Hi Folks, Thanks!

Ok, I'm taking your feedback about the fireplace, that creating a box might just be "oh, hiding a fireplace w an ugly box." Good point. I think you just decided something for me!

Regarding the cornice, thanks also. I think I will keep it consistent with the less fancy cornice of the other bedrooms. I hope Kevin from Grand Designs agrees Though, your feedback raises a cornice question for me:

More Questions:
1. Cornice continued: When I called a couple of cornice companies (in google, randomly), they suggested that they can make a copy or use one of their designs and the plaster cornice is made and then shipped over to my flat. I always thought that cornice was made in made in the flat, by slapping the plaster up there and either dragging a form along or, I suppose, by stamping the plaster with a 'reverse mould.' Has the latter practice ended and now it's only made to measure and then installed? Would anyone recommend a service in central london? I would need cleaning/fixing/copying of an original mould, and creation of a new cornice.

2. Modern-ish Georgian: Does anyone know of a georgian townhouse that was conserved/refurbed, but ended up with a somewhat modern feel? Not just kitchen cabinets, but lighting, floors, bathroom tiles, etc? Maybe a photo link if you know of a site?

3. Chandeliers: Any suggestions for chandeliers? I have an interest in a glass/crystal/acrylic type, and I"m not a fan of the gold/brass version though I believe that's more traditional. Suggestions for sites, or places where I can find them at a good deal?

Thanks very much!

Can't help with the Cornice question I'm afraid, we really need Mr Watts to answer that!

I often look at this site http://www.locationworks.com/ and you might find inspiration there. Alternatively you could use one of the summary sales sites like http://www.primelocation.com/ pick an area like Bath that has a lot of Georgian properties and have a look at the things that come up. I suggest collecting lots of pictures ( of rooms ), creating your own "design board" and then looking at places to source the type of things you like.

For vintage lighting I like http://carltondavidson.co.uk/ ( although he tends towards continental deco style ), also http://www.charlesedwards.com/ also lots in Kensington Church Street and if you're in the West End then http://www.wsitch.co.uk/ is nearby.

I rather think that for a "good deal" you need to go outside London and be lucky!

 

[JoceAndChris]

As I said in my earlier post you need to find a good plasterer who can run in situ. Off the peg mouldings will never fit your room as those run along the wall with the

I love Charles Edwards too, you could also look at Christopher Wray, and Bonds chandeliers. There's a lovely antique chandelier shop in Grantham, with reasonable prices- so yes, I'd agree you pay at least double for things in London!

 

[JoceAndChris]

PS You might be interested in one of our regular's projects, which ended up looking lovely, but with a modern feel! (hope you don't mind me mentioning it Matt)

http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11066

 

[atlasfever]

LadyArowana, JoceandChris and everyone else,

Thanks for all of the great feedback. Appreciate it.

More questions if anyone has a moment:
1. Panelling: Does anyone have a ballpark cost per foot/metre for panelling? I have a small guest bathroom, and I think some panelling might be rather sharp (yes, stole the idea from the Sarah Beeny restoration show -- thanks to the other poster for the tip).

2. Fireplaces/Chimney: Can you either point me in the direction of a site, or share your knowledge around what is needed to have a working fireplace? I want to raise it to the freeholder of my building, and I'd love a checklist of items that need to be done/in order for a lovely working fireplace.

Thanks!
PS: Renovation Forum: I have lots of questions that are not period specific, so does one recommend another site/forum also? Not to cheat on this one It's my favourite "I just think that people don't want to be reading questions like "what is the general size of space needed for a washing unit?"

 

[Penners]

1. I'll tell you the cost of panelling if you'll tell me the length of a piece of string!

It all depends on what sort of panelling you want. If you want genuine oak fielded panels with moulded stiles and rails, the answer is... more than most of us can afford. For example: http://www.panelmaster.co.uk/study_room_panelling.html

If you're prepared to settle for a phoney MDF kit, the answer is... not nearly so much. For example: http://www.paintedwallpanelling.com/wall-panels.html

2. I'm afraid the answer is similar. It all depends on what sort of fireplace you want. If the chimney and fireplace already exist, then you should consult a HETAS expert to come in and inspect it and advise you on what is needed to get it workable. http://www.hetas.co.uk/

Don't worry if your questions aren't strictly related to building/renovation/repair/technical stuff. It may not have escaped your notice that we wander all over the shop on this forum, discussing everything from bricklaying to curtains to cookers to chickens to TVs to sheep to food to tools to electrics to neighbours to septic tanks to windfarms to....

I'm bored now.

So ask away - we'll discuss anything!

 

[JoceAndChris]

Hi again Atlasfever! I can't really help with your latest questions all that much, but please please do pick the excellent collective brains of this forum for all your questions - we have no problem with going off topic, in fact, it's a special skill!

You'll have more feedback if you break your questions down into specific bite sized pieces and post them as new threads - more people are likely to read them that way.

Britain's Heritage website might be able to help you on fireplaces.

Edit - Mr P has said it all, much better!

 

[LadyArowana]

I have lots of questions that are not period specific, so does one recommend another site/forum also? Not to cheat on this one It's my favourite "I just think that people don't want to be reading questions like "what is the general size of space needed for a washing unit?"

I am very intrigued by the phrase "washing unit" what sort of thing would that be? I don't think I am a smelly person, so I wonder if I have one and don't know it!

 

[atlasfever]

Hi,

Oh, washing unit as in a washer/dryer

 

[Penners]

How very prosaic.

I suspect that Her Ladyship was hoping for something a little more exotic - a device to render her ablutions surprisingly pleasurable, rather than simply routine, perhaps? :shock:

 

[LadyArowana]

How very prosaic.

I suspect that Her Ladyship was hoping for something a little more exotic - a device to render her ablutions surprisingly pleasurable, rather than simply routine, perhaps? :shock:

Yes indeed. I have one of the washer dryer stack arrangements and an all in one washer dryer elsewhere, but neither is very interesting. The most exotic bit of laundry I did recently involved a large whirlpool bath and a vintage silk kimono. It was one of those last resort efforts where the thing is almost completely ruined already ( not by me, whoever had owned it trailed a sleeve into their lunch ) and washing it may help.

 

[Penners]

a large whirlpool bath and a vintage silk kimono.

Oh, I say... gosh... ahem... that sounds positively... contintental!

 

[LadyArowana]

a large whirlpool bath and a vintage silk kimono.

Oh, I say... gosh... ahem... that sounds positively... contintental!

There are lots of pictures of the event I was getting ready for available to view in the "other place" :shock: