We recently completed a package of lime plasterwork repairs for Sykes & Son/Dolmen Conservation and Joinery at 13-14 Portsmouth Street in London. This beautifully quaint shop is significant as it is thought to have been the inspiration for Charles Dickens’ description of the antique shop in his 1841 novel ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’.
The building on Portsmouth St. dates back to the sixteenth century in an area known as Clare Market, but the shop name was added after the novel was released. The lime plasterwork Artisan undertook included applying traditional NHL 2 lime plaster to brickwork and masonry, sand and cement render to repair external walls and K-Rend render to selected areas as required.
We are delighted to have helped renovate what is thought to be the oldest shop in London, having survived the great fire of 1666 and the extensive bombing of London during the Second World War.
More information and images are available through Sykes & Son here.
Artisan Plastercraft is a specialist lime plaster company experienced in consultation and restoration of heritage lime plasterwork.
