Roman Cement Repairs Stoke Newington

This pediment over a doorway in Stoke Newington London is typical of the facades constructed and decorated with classical mouldings made with Roman Cement .This material was developed during the latter part of the 18th century .A naturally occurring cement with a distinctive red/brown colour reminded the Victorians of the cement of early Rome.It went out of use during the latter part of the 19th century when Portland cement superseded it

On my travels I have come across this material many times but it is traditionally painted in London so its use often remains un-noticed.

Apart from a general historic building pathology it would be of limited interest.However I have used it on many occasions now and found it an excellent material for running mouldings and creating architectual details and renders

The more I see and use it the more I am convinced of its valuable properties

 Here is the process I used I hope the result is a fitting tribute to the people who originally made this work .I imagine they probably worked very hard with a high level of skill and their rewards in later life probably involved for many a retirement under the shadow of the workhouse. Another history untold. I think I find the process far more interesting than the meaning of this Architecture,there is plenty of information on that but we dont know much about who and how

Brick core 

Original run moulding note the distinctive red/brown colour

Running the cornice moulding

capitol mould 

Running the mould

The magic hand

Cornice , capitol ,and pilasters repaired 

Leveling the capitols

Detail copied from original

Finished Work from below