Stone Edge completes Museum of Lancashire restoration

Nelson-based Stone Edge has completely transformed Preston’s famous Session House, now to be named “The Museum of Lancashire”.

The Museum of Lancashire, housed in the old courthouse, was in desperate need of refurbishment after an unknown silicone based sealant had been applied to the facades during the 1950s, trapping in historic industrial pollutants and dirt.

Stone Edge worked diligently to conduct the cleaning and repairs to the stonework under a mass of scaffolding.

The extensive work included replacing stone features, cleaning existing stonework using the “Thermotech Super Headed Steam” system and full façade repointing in natural hydraulic lime to replace the cementitious over pointing.

Architects at Lancashire County Council are extremely pleased with the change in the museum.

Richard Denneny, of Stone Edge, said: “The restoration involved conservation building repair services, tailored to meet the specific needs of the project.”

This was a complex project requiring a detailed solution to successfully remove the previous siloxane based application, which would allow the facade to breathe again.

This museum is dedicated to life in Preston during the 20th century, focusing on the Second World War.

Museums in Lancashire look after more than 150,000 amazing objects from around the county.

Lancashire has rich and exciting heritage from rocks and fossils, dolls and toys, textile industry treasures, to stunning furniture, medals and swords and marvellous paintings.