When Tranby School discovered water damage to one of its historic vaulted barrel ceilings, they asked Swart Plaster Mouldings to carry out a sensitive and accurate restoration. The ceiling — a key architectural feature of this period building — had previously been subjected to poor-quality repairs, concealing original details and causing ongoing issues.

Our task was clear: remove the failed work, reinstate the missing decorative mouldings, and restore the ceiling to its authentic condition using traditional methods.

Understanding the Problem

A detailed survey revealed several issues:

Water ingress had caused cracking and detachment in areas of the barrel vault.
Previous contractors had applied unsuitable repair materials, which had obscured and flattened the original decorative features.
Several sections of egg-and-dart mouldings and Lincrusta were either missing or beyond salvage.
The ribs that define the curve of the vaulted ceiling had been misaligned during earlier patchwork repairs.

To ensure a long-lasting restoration, the entire ceiling required careful conservation and reinstatement.

How We Restored the Ceiling

1. Removing Substandard Repairs

We began by cutting back all damaged and incompatible materials. This exposed the original structure beneath and allowed us to recreate the ceiling as it was intended to be seen.

2. Recreating Missing Egg-and-Dart Mouldings

Using samples taken from surviving sections, we produced new egg-and-dart mouldings that exactly matched the original profile. Each moulding was cast using traditional methods in our workshop before being installed on site.

3. Running the Ribs In Situ

To reinstate the smooth curves of the barrel vault, we ran the ribs directly onto the ceiling (“in situ”). This technique ensures perfect alignment and gives a crisp, architecturally correct finish.

4. Restoring Lincrusta Panels

Lincrusta is a historic, embossed wall and ceiling covering that adds both pattern and depth. We replaced and repaired the damaged sections, then prepared and painted the surface to blend seamlessly with the surrounding area.

5. Ensuring Safe & Accurate Access

Full scaffolding was erected to allow safe, controlled access to the vaulted ceiling. This enabled high-precision restoration without affecting the rest of the room or building operations.

The Results: A Ceiling True to Its Heritage

The completed work has:

Returned the ceiling to its original character, reinstating all architectural detail.
Improved structural integrity, removing the risk of loose or failing plaster.
Preserved the historic aesthetic of the building for future generations.
Enhanced the space, providing students and staff with a restored and visually impressive interior feature.

For Tranby School, the project delivered not just repairs, but a full heritage-quality restoration.

Why Choose Swart Plaster Mouldings?

This project reflects what we specialise in:

Traditional and heritage plaster restoration
Accurate reproduction of historic mouldings
Sensitive repairs using correct materials and methods
Specialist knowledge of period ceilings, Lincrusta, and ornate plasterwork
Work carried out with care, craftsmanship, and respect for historic buildings

Whether it’s a school, church, public building, or private home, we help protect and restore the plaster features that make historic properties unique.

Need Help With a Heritage Plaster Project?

If your building has damaged plaster mouldings, failed repairs, or missing decorative features, we can help.

Contact Swart Plaster Mouldings for a survey or to discuss your restoration project.