As many will know, the Theatre’s steel windows have seen better days! They date back to the 1930s when the theatre was created from the ashes of the Shanklin Institute.
The windows have served the theatre very well, having started their life before the days of galvanising (rust proofing) but are well past their predicted lifespan having suffered serious corrosion, resulting in draughts, holes and gaps that let the wind and rain into the building.
All is not lost though, thanks to the generosity of those who have attended the theatre and been involved in fund raising; it was possible to start the initial stages of the expensive repairs to the theatre’s windows back in August 2015.
As in any conservation planning of a listed building such as the theatre, there is a choice between repair and replacement of the constituent parts of the building, in the case of Shanklin Theatre, following consultation with the Isle of Wight Council Conservation Officer, the planned approach was to repair the windows, with the intention of retaining the appearance of the theatre that so many have come to appreciate and recognise.
Commissioned by Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust, the first steel window was removed by Island company Graham Filer Engineering, with the object of understanding the work involved in removing and sympathetically renovating the window before replacement.
Above: First window removal in 2015.
During August 2015, one of the very badly corroded theatre windows was removed for repair; this was very much an experiment as, with the window in such a poor state, the repair method was not clear. A brand new window could have been installed, but the decision was made to preserve the existing window as being very much in keeping with the theatre’s history.
Above: Newly refurbished window frame before glazing.
After the window unit removal from the theatre, the glass panels were removed, the frame shot-blasted to remove the old corrosion, new steel sections obtained and welded into position where the old steel had rusted, the frame paint powder coated, the brass handles and window stays cleaned and polished and new glass obtained.
Above: Original Brass window handle.
A big surprise was the gleaming brass window sill under the layers of old paint!
Now we are delighted to report that the window has been re-installed, looking just as it did many years ago with a bright white baked-on paint finish that should last for many years, and the brass sill and fittings once again showing the elegance and importance of the theatre.
Above: Fully glazed and completed window unit.
An order has been raised for repair of a second window by Graham Filer Engineering once again, with others planned for the future hence helping to continue the Theatre renovations in a sympathetic way using local labour and materials where possible.
Shanklin Theatre is a Grade II Listed Building, the windows must be restored in their original style, and the cost of the restoration is in excess of £100,000. Phase 1 will cost in region of £30,000, That is a lot of money, but with modest support from a large base of patrons we hope to be able to raise this money as soon as we can!
So – Can you help? Please? Make a difference by making a donation today! Why not do it right now? If you pay Income Tax you can Gift Aid it to make it worth even more! http://www.charitycheckout.co.uk/1146834/window
Images and text courtesy of Rob Robertson & Anthony Wood.
