What a difference some stones make!

The Isle of Wight Society Conservation Awards are taking place this Friday evening, and the judges have been looking at all sorts of entries from around the Island.

Among the smaller entries was Project R1074 – Bath Road retaining wall at Ventnor.  Island stone does not last for ever when exposed to the ravages of weather.  Add the vibrations of heavy traffic and the cliff face, and a wall can soon become a pile of loose stones at the base.

Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council found that serious cracks were forming in the Bath Road wall. The stone was also degrading.  Action was taken.

Melbury stone was sourced from the mainland as being the most similar to Island stone.  The wall was carefully rebuilt, using lime mortar to prevent future damage to the stone.   Now, those walking up or down the hill can appreciate good workmanship and an asset to the Island scene.  If you are in a car, stop in the nearby car park and do take a look at this wall.

Materials also had to be found off the Island in another project submitted this year for the Conservation Awards.  All Saints Church, Ryde, is the largest parish church on the Island.  It was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott in 1867.

The building is often used for performances, when rickety staging was installed.  Now the church has had an excellent double dais constructed at the east end of the nave, leading into the chancel. 

Sourcing the materials for this Grade II church was difficult.  Very large blocks of Portland stone were chosen, again matching the original stone.  They had to be large to be appropriate in the setting.  Smaller, easier to handle stones would have broken the view of the chancel from the nave.

The tiles were a problem, and were eventually sourced in France.  They complement the existing tiles.  We think Sir Gilbert Scott would have approved of this alteration to All Saints church.

At Quarr Abbey, the old Victorian stables and carriage house have been transformed into a Visitor Centre and book shop.  The buildings were derelict.  The Island stone walls have been lovingly restored and repointed, using lime mortar, along with a new roof and reconstructed windows and doors.  

Yet again, stone has had to be imported from over the water.  In this instance, it was granite sets that were needed for the courtyard.  At first glance, these look as if they have always been there, giving a hardwearing surface for horses and carriages.  But the sets have been installed especially for visitors to Quarr.

Stone is very important to the character of Island buildings.  Enjoy it!

isleofwightsociety.org.uk