![]() ![]() ![]() These requirements are not new, of course, but they have received greater attention since 2013 when part of the ceiling in the auditorium of London’s Apollo Theatre collapsed during a packed evening performance. It is therefore essential that appropriate advice is obtained from a plaster conservation specialist acting in cooperation with a structural engineer, both of whom should have a comprehensive knowledge of the various construction materials, as well as of the challenges and risks that are encountered during the appraisal and repair of historic plaster ceilings. Obtaining a detailed understanding of the configuration and condition of the structure to which ceiling plasterwork is attached is usually the primary objective, and although the plasterwork itself is typically formed with great skill and care using proven traditional materials and techniques, the structure to which it is fixed is almost always hidden from view, difficult or impossible to access and occasionally assembled in an ad hoc manner with little thought of how it might be inspected or maintained in years to come. These often overlooked elements perform an essential role in ensuring the continued integrity of historic plaster ceilings and this article will explore their common forms and the importance of a thorough assessment of their structural integrity. Much welcome guidance has been published in recent years in connection with the inspection and assessment of historic plaster ceilings, however there is limited equivalent published information concerning assessment of their supporting structures. The highly decorative fibrous plaster ceiling of Wyndham’s Theatre in London, which is regularly inspected and defect-free (Photo: Conisbee, 2008) Structural Assessment of Historic Plaster Ceilings Kevin Clark ![]()
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