Richmond Castle - Cell Block Conservation Project

Tender description

Richmond Castle (Yorkshire) has a two-storey, nineteenth-century cellblock, incorporating a section of the Norman Keep. Within this cell block is an internationally significant graffiti record. The graffiti is in danger of being lost due to the fragile nature of its form and location. The graffiti is inscribed in pencil on lime-washed surfaces in a damp building. The conservation project will remedy the weakness of the building envelope. Externally to the cell block this will require: • tanking and waterproofing the building at roof deck level (see section 3); • tanking the external steps; • replacing the rainwater goods; • soft capping the exposed core work at roof deck level; • raking out thne repointing on the external elevations; • relocation of handrail; • installation of compliant railings • Cleaning of bitumen deposits to existing concrete sub-base using TORC system (isolated areas) • Contractor designed scaffold The works above will be carried out under a temporary roof to safeguard the graffiti within. All works have to be carried out without damaging the fragile internal finishes and graffiti (i.e. vibration and similar disturbance must be kept to a minimum) Internally to the cell block, this will require: • Repointing of large cracks by a conservator registered with the Institute of Conservation (ICON); • Graffiti stabilisation and conservation by ICON conservator; • Installation of mechanical ventilation if the continuing environmental monitoring results call for it.