North Shields-based, Classic Masonry, has commenced specialist conservation works at the National Trust's Grade I listed Cragside House in Rothbury.
Cragside House was created by the visionary industrialist and inventor William Armstrong and his wife, Margaret Armstrong, and was the first house in the world to be lit using hydroelectricity
Following a competitive tender process, the company was appointed by principal contractor, Datim Building Contractors, to conserve the property’s historic chimney stacks.
The works are part of a wider extensive refurbishment of the house roof, with the National Trust appointing Datim Building Contractors to deliver, including the renewal of roof coverings, associated leadwork and rainwater goods.
Classic Masonry’s package includes specialist stone cleaning, repointing, stone indenting and flue repairs to the property’s multiple historic chimney stacks, using traditional conservation techniques and carefully specified materials appropriate to the Grade I listed building. Before work commenced, the project team completed a series of trial panels to develop and secure approval for specialist natural hydraulic lime mortar mixes using carefully selected sands and mortar ratios, ensuring repairs remain sympathetic to the original Victorian masonry and meet the National Trust’s exacting conservation standards.
With 35 years’ experience, Classic Masonry is a leading specialist masonry contractor in the North East, delivering conservation and restoration projects on many of the region’s most significant historic landmarks, including Grey’s Monument, Newcastle Central Station, Newcastle Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, Auckland Castle and Seaton Delaval Hall.
The company directly employs its skilled workforce, allowing it to sustain its traditional stonemasonry skills and craftsmanship within the region. Stone manufacture is undertaken at the company’s North Shields workshops, while an ongoing commitment to apprenticeships and specialist heritage training ensures traditional conservation techniques continue to be passed on to future generations.
Mike Moody, managing director, Classic Masonry, said: “Cragside is one of Britain’s most significant Victorian country houses and projects of this nature demand the very highest standards of heritage craftsmanship.
“Every aspect of the work has been carefully planned, from the development of bespoke lime mortar mixes through to the delivery of the conservation works alongside the wider roofing programme. Traditional materials and techniques are essential to ensuring the building’s historic character is preserved while providing durable repairs for the future.
“Our team has extensive experience of working on nationally important heritage assets, and we’re pleased to be working alongside Datim Building Contractors and the National Trust on a project that will help safeguard this remarkable building for generations to come.”
