Decorex 2010

A quick post today to mention my work on the James Mayor Furniture stand at Decorex 2010. The show was held at the Chelsea Royal Hospital, London - the home of the Chelsea pensioners. The show runs for four days in September and is part of the London Design Festival.

The image above shows a Linen Press that I painted in Farrow & Ball oil based eggshell and papered in a splendid Nina Campbell 1940/50's pattern wallpaper.

James tells me that the show was a tremendous success and my input was greatly admired... thanks James!

Master Painter and Decorator, London, Furniture, Paint Effect, Master, Decorator, Painter, West Midlands

Furniture Update

Back in December 2009 I posted at small piece regarding some James Mayor bedroom furniture that I painted... I have now had opportunity to visit my clients property to see the overall effect. Above you can now see how it all fits together.

Please note; the two sets of drawers and the legs on the chaise were painted to match in with the existing Simon Horn bed frame.

Master Decorator, Birmingham, Harbourne,

West London Update

Earlier this year I completed a project in West London... I have recently received some updated pictures from my clients, showing the project in its' finished state.

I would just like to say thank you to them, again, for a very enjoyable time working on their project. I think that it looks an absolute triumph!

Master Decorator, Lincrusta, London, Ealing, West London, Painter and decoorator

Gold to Silver Transformation

Yet again, John Charles Interiors of Birmingham asked me to work my magic - this time on a beautiful, Mahogany-based Gilt bed-frame.

My brief was to take it's rather tatty and battered gold leaf finish and create a silver finish to fit within a modern room set.

Following much careful sanding and preparation, coats of Ardenbrite No.6 Silver were applied along with the appropriate primers and glazes... a vision of silver-lovelyness was created.

Following on from my work, it was then taken to an upholsterer to be covered in the appropriate material. Below you can see the completed bed, but, still to be dressed.

Master Decorator, Master painter, paint effects, painter and decorator, wolverhampton, birmingham, west midlands

Frame Restoration

Birmingham based Interior Designer, John Charles Interiors, invited me to restore this beautiful wood and plaster mirror frame for his client... the project was no light undertaking;

The frame arrived in bubble wrap, in several pieces and finished in gold leaf (in bad repair). Firstly, it was necessary to repair and restore many of the leaf and flower details, once completed (weeks of work!), the frame was treated to coats of Ardenbrite QD primer, coats of Ardenbrite Silver No.6, coats of Ardenbrite Protective Glaze, Treasure Gold "Silver" creme and finally Treasure gold sealer. An exhaustive process, but worth it when you look at the result.

Above you can see the finished frame in-situ... adding a touch of traditionalism into this beautifully elegant modern en suite bathroom.

Master Decorator, Decorator, Furniture Restoration, Furniture Rennovation, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

The Violin Factory

My latest excursion found me in London, SE1, at The Violin Factory, a exceptional conversion that was purchased by the current owners as a derelict shell at the tail end of 2000... you may remember seeing the transformation of Channel 4's "Grand Designs". (Episode information here).

Due to the fact that the property is not only a well loved family residence, but also, a venue for prestigious gatherings, the owners like to keep it as sharp as possible... This is where I came in;

My task was to refresh various areas of the property that were showing a little wear. Which I completed with relish. With the job now in the past, I am able to remenice about what an honour and a true delight it was to work on such a remarkable property - my heart felt thanks go out to the property owners... thank you!

For further information about "The Violin Factory" please follow this link.

London, The Violin Factory, Grand Designs, Master Decorator, Painting and Decorating, Painter, Decorator, SE1

Success In Surrey

Yet again, I found myself Surrey bound - this excursion took me to a fabulous property... my brief from the owner's Interior Designer was straight forward; to repair 10 sections of wall that had been chased out in order to install the necessary wiring for the electric blind system and to refresh the paintwork within the swimming pool room itself. The result was seamless (see above image).

Secondly, to install fine wallpaper around a newly installed bespoke leather and glass cabinet and shelving system, within the downstairs study. The papers were a metallic Donghia "Looks Like Metal" specialist wallcovering and a Romo - Laurito, W319/01 black flock paper... a stunning combination.

Both aspects were successfully completed to the owners the Interior Designers and my delight.

London, Interior Designer, Master Decorator, Surrey, Master Craftsman, Painting and Decorating

Star Scaffolding

My current project is a complete renovation of the exterior of a beautiful Victorian residence in Wednesbury, West Midlands... quite a large undertaking, the new owners have decided that the incumbent colour scheme is not quite to their liking and have charged me with the task of a comprehensive colour change and substrate overhaul.

This posting is not primarily concerned with my work, however. I want to take this opportunity to write a testimonial for Star Scaffolding. My client sourced the scaffold themselves. When I arrived "on site" yesterday morning, a team of three scaffolders were already there discussing the job in hand. They were well aware of the outline project plan and began by asking me the finer details of what I wanted and needed from the project.

The scaffold was constructed promptly with much discussion about the best way to get around certain aspects of my requests.

I can honestly say, that it is, by far, the best scaffold that I have ever worked from; it feels incredibly safe and all health and safety needs have been adhered to... there is a good amount of "gap" from the wall so that I can perform my tasks, and the four lifts have been assembled as per my brief.

It is so refreshing to happen across such a professional team of scaffolders and a company such as Star Scaffolding. I shall unreservedly recommend them in the future.

More details about this project will follow in a later posting.

Edgbaston Feature Walls

The latest in a line of new clients; a beautiful and substantial property in the leafy Edgbaston suburb of Birmingham... my contact details were passed on via an Interior Designer that recommends my services (John Charles Interiors, Birmingham), my brief; to install Cole & Sons fine wallpaper on four alcove areas.

Firstly, the areas were lined with Wallrock 55 to ensure a perfect canvas for the fine paper (Contemporary III Collection, Istanbul pattern)... as is always the case, I used Cole & Sons own wallpaper paste - I find that it pays dividends to use the manufacturers recommended adhesive. The paper itself is of a classic "non woven" construction, allowing me to hang direct to the pasted wall which makes the project very straight forward.

The finished result was flawless (as you might expect)... a very successful two-day project, for a very welcoming family.

Bespoke Decorating, craftsmanship, bespoke service, master decorator, bespoke interiors, interior design

National P&D Show 2010

I am very pleased to announce that I have been invited to join Lincrusta on their stand at the National Painting & Decorating Show at the International Events Centre, Ricoh Arena, Coventry, Warwickshire on the 9th and 10th of November.

I understand that I will be assisting with independent advice on the stand and delivering Lincrusta MasterClasses at allocated times to the show "en mass". An absolute honour and pleasure to be part of this wonderful, professional team.

Thank you Lincrusta!

For further information about Lincrusta, please click here

National painting and decorating show 2010, decorating show, painting show, 2010, master decorator, lincrusta, expert, specialist, installer, ricoh arena, coventry

Sutton Coldfield Revisited

I was fortunate enough today, to be invited back to a property in Sutton Coldfield, that I completed installing Lincrusta - Art Nouveau pattern in last year. For further details, please click here

The owners have now had new radiators, carpets and stair rods fitted and have completed their own painting of walls, ceilings, cornicing and woodwork.

The finished effect is very dramatic (first hand), but, also retains many beautiful Victorian elements and characteristics... I'm very proud!

Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, Lincrusta, Paint Effects, Master Decorator, Art Nouveau, Painter and Decorator

West London Lincrusta

I was invited by the owners of this beautiful 1880 West London, Victorian property to provide a quotation, via email initially, to decorate the hall stairs and landing with Lincrusta - Art Nouveau, dado panels. Additionally, all walls were to be lined and two walls were to be hung with fine wallpaper.

Before

After

A few emails followed and a site visit, the fine wallpaper was chosen - Sanderson "Roses and Etchings", and the job was booked in.

After two weeks of frantic activity the project was completed - all walls lined over three floors and the Lincrusta installed. My clients were delighted with the result, which transformed the property and created even more character into this substantial traditional property.

Lincrusta, Art Nouveau, Master Decorator, London, Sanderson, Ealing, Painter and Decorator, M J Guest Ltd, Craftsman

Georgian Style in Oxshott

This fabulously proportioned, Georgian inspired, new build property in Oxshott - Surrey, is the latest in a line of London area projects that I have been fortunate enough to be working on recently.

I was invited by a London based Architect, of repute, to provide a quotation to install Lincrusta in one of the many bathrooms - this was swiftly increased into decorating a number of further rooms (Lincrusta to follow soon!).

Products used were predominately Little Greene Ultimatt paint, Cole & Son and Nina Campbell wallpapers - following fastidious preparation, of course.

Wallpaper hanging and painting disciplines were required, to exacting standards. The result was truly stunning, so was the reaction of the Architect's Interior Designer;

"Thank you for all your hard (tidy) work and for reinstalling my faith in Decorators!"

I also received a tick and gold star from the practice director... top of the class!

More information about further projects at this property to follow.

Cameoid in Caversham

Working on this project was a joy - the Cameoid ceiling covering - an early Lincrusta derivative, (pictured top), was in a pretty bad state, following water damage from a dripping pipe from the bedroom above. Over time the water had spread to almost the width of the room, which then, of course, formed mould.

I was tasked by my clients' insurance company to restore the Cameoid ceiling covering back to it's original glory.

Firstly, I removed any damaged Cameoid that was still on the ceiling (not too much!) then cleaned the substrate down with a 5:1 solution of bleach to kill the surface spores. The back of the covering was cleaned and any remaining mould was "removed'. Next, the long strips of the covering were cut into manageable lengths (cut across the pattern) and reinstalled to the ceiling with Lincrusta LG100 adhesive.

Once the joints were dressed and finished, the ceiling received 2 coats of Brilliant White emulsion (pictured bottom).

I hope you will agree; a beautiful restoration on a unique historical ceiling covering.

Lincrusta restoration, Cameoid restoration, Repair Lincrusta, Repair Cameoid