ST MEL'S CATHEDRAL, Longford
St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford represented one of the largest building projects undertaken by the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland during the 19th Century. |
A Brief History: Considered to be one of the finest Classical Style Ecclesiastical buildings in Ireland, it was commissioned by Bishop William O’Higgins. Work commenced in 1840 but was suspended in 1846 at the onset of the Great Famine (1845 – c. 1849), recommencing again in 1853. It was dedicated in 1856 and consecrated in 1893. It is the work of three eminent architects of the nineteenth century: John B. Keane, John Bourke and George C. Ashlin.
On Christmas morning 2009, a devastating fire, which engulfed St Mel’s, caused the liquefied roof material to collapse resulting in the loss of the roof timbers, extensive damage to the walls, limestone columns and pilasters, plasterwork, timberwork and the marble decoration and the statues in the Cathedral, as well as to those stored in the crypt below. The sheer scale of the fire, along with difficulties in maintaining a constant water supply due to the uncharacteristic cold weather at the time, meant that the internal building was reduced to a shell.
ST MEL'S Cathedral before restoration
Carrig was employed as specialist conservation sub-consultants on the restoration of building fabric. This refurbishment project represented one of the largest conservation projects undertaken in Europe in recent times.
To fully understand the challenges facing the design team an in-depth “Investigative Contract” was carried out to firstly physically investigate and confirm how the columns carrying the clear-storey could be removed and replaced without causing collapse. Secondly the re-recreation of a large panel of decorative plasterwork supported on a sample barrel vaulted ceiling was carried out along with the removal and conservation of one of the decorative plaster angels. Following the enabling works the design team proceeded with the restoration of the cathedral to its former glory following the clear guidance of the international charters on conservation and restoration. In as far as possible all materials used in the project were traditional and a policy of like for like was followed where possible.
To fully understand the challenges facing the design team an in-depth “Investigative Contract” was carried out to firstly physically investigate and confirm how the columns carrying the clear-storey could be removed and replaced without causing collapse. Secondly the re-recreation of a large panel of decorative plasterwork supported on a sample barrel vaulted ceiling was carried out along with the removal and conservation of one of the decorative plaster angels. Following the enabling works the design team proceeded with the restoration of the cathedral to its former glory following the clear guidance of the international charters on conservation and restoration. In as far as possible all materials used in the project were traditional and a policy of like for like was followed where possible.
ST MEL'S Cathedral DURING restoration
Carrig carried out extensive investigations to record and assess the historic fabric of St. Mel’s Cathedral in order to promote a suitable strategy for repair. Extensive damage was recorded to the limestone columns and pilasters in the form of cracks, fractures, delamination and scaling of the surface layer.
Carved masonry details such as the limestone capitals also suffered as a result of the fire. The high level of damage to the stone was attributed to the use of face bedded limestone in the original construction which suffered as a result of exposure to extremes of hot and cold temperatures as well as excessive moisture during and in the aftermath of the fire.
Carved masonry details such as the limestone capitals also suffered as a result of the fire. The high level of damage to the stone was attributed to the use of face bedded limestone in the original construction which suffered as a result of exposure to extremes of hot and cold temperatures as well as excessive moisture during and in the aftermath of the fire.
ST MEL'S Cathedral AFTER restoration
The single-most significant factor in restoring the cathedral was the stone procurement package. The stone required to replace the 28 columns and to carry out the repairs required to the 38 pilasters represented one of the largest stone procurement order in recent times.
Three potential supply sources were identified. However with the lead-in time required to win the stone block from the quarry, the precision fabrication of the elements required and then installation of the columns and repairs to the pilasters on site was thought to run a possible 14 months to complete. Likewise the ornate plaster work was estimated to take approximately 12 months to complete.
If you would like more information or to discuss a project, please contact the office to speak to one of our conservation consultants.
Three potential supply sources were identified. However with the lead-in time required to win the stone block from the quarry, the precision fabrication of the elements required and then installation of the columns and repairs to the pilasters on site was thought to run a possible 14 months to complete. Likewise the ornate plaster work was estimated to take approximately 12 months to complete.
If you would like more information or to discuss a project, please contact the office to speak to one of our conservation consultants.