Black Swan – Front façade

Devizes

During the 20^th Century ‘plastic paint’ was applied to the external walls of this historic building.  Often, as was the case here, a limewash would originally have been applied to the solid masonry walls which would have allowed the building to ‘breathe’.  Plastic paint prevents walls from breathing which can lead to damp internally.

Works at The Black Swan, a Listed Grade II* Building, involved the removal of the plastic paint. The Client originally intended for a breathable mineral based paint to be applied which acts in a similar way to limewash, however upon removing the plastic paint it was decided to retain the exposed brick and stonework.

Listed Building Consent was applied for and received which involved close liaison with the Local Authority’s Conservation Officer with regard to methods of cleaning the masonry, re-pointing and repairs.