Research and investigation and reinstatement of the early decorative scheme at the Church of St. James the Less, New Mills, Derbyshire

In 2011 Crick Smith conservation conducted architectural paint research on the extant decorative scheme at the Church of St. James the Less, New Mills, Derbyshire. This research concluded that a decorative scheme of c. 1880 lay under layers of modern decoration. Crick Smith were then commissioned to reveal sections of the earlier scheme and then to reinstate the original scheme in its entirety on one wall.Initial phase of the research consisted a programme of on site sampling of accumulated paint layers from key locations. Analysis of samples was undertaken by optical microscopy using a variety of different lighting techniques to reveal the chemical make up within the build up of individual paint layers, which assists dating the paint by determining the metal oxide driers used (e.g: lead, zinc etc). The results of the samples showed where to uncover areas of the original decorative stencil scheme, which allowed colours to be quantified using a spectrophotometer ensuring authentic reinstatement. This evidence was corroborated by archival evidence in accounts dated c1880 of the building’s decorative appearance, along with photographs of c1910. Reinstatement was necessitated by the loss of the original plaster. Based on the evidence uncovered, this led to a second phase of targeting uncovering work to reveal and record the original 1880’s stencil scheme to the extent where the repeat design could be extrapolated for reinstatement. Crick Smith reports are written for a range of clients, information is deliberately presented in a style that is easily accessible, technical terms are fully explained to enable understanding by a non-­?specialist reader, as it is understood that not all members of the client team may be experienced in understanding this type of investigation.