It’s time for the stonework!

Now that Spring is sprung and the weather hopefully getting warmer by the day there are a range of tasks that all need volunteers to help see the work continue to progress:

You can join in the fun from 10am every Saturday morning. Hand tools, protective gloves and gear are available.

The list of tasks is as follows:

Finish off the weeding and ivy removal to the Access slip, the Red Lion slip and the top of the parapet wall. .

Start filling in the gaps between the stones on the top of parapet wall with small pebbles (now on site) in readiness for the pointing.

Chip out the old pointing on the vertical face of the upper section of the parapet wall.

Power wash off the grass and mud on the surface at the end of the quay. (I hope to borrow the harbour’s more powerful pressure washer this weekend)

Choosing, measuring and recording the new sizes and locations for the replacement granite staples at the end of the quay.

Removing the corroded railing posts and handrail on the Red Lion slip for Pencarn Forge to repair. (here we need any vessels that are tied to the handrail posts to tie up elsewhere first).

Volunteers needed this Saturday 1st March

28,02,25 | Uncategorized

Join us this Saturday down at the Old Quay for an exciting opportunity to roll up your sleeves and be a part of history as we embark on the next phase of our restoration journey. The parapet section of the Old Quay is ready for some TLC and we need your help to clean away the old pointing in preparation for the new lime mortar pointing, together we can breathe new life into this cherished landmark and preserve its charm for generations to come.

Work begins 10am to 2pm – hot drinks available!

The top surface of the parapet also needs pointing now that a hundred years of guano and weeds have been removed. The black tar that can be seen on many of the stones is a legacy from the days when fishermen tarred their masts and spars on the quayside.

As you can see this from this photo, taken well over 100 years ago the quay was in constant use. Nets, masts and spars are everywhere. Even though by then the North pier has been built, the old quay was still very much a space used by the fishermen to maintain their boats and fishing gear, their are drift nest all along the top of the parapet. Which, in this photo, still ran the full length of the quay.

Mapping existing stonework prior to restoration

26,02,25 | Uncategorized

In key areas of the old quay, the position of each stone is being recorded. These sketches will be used together with high res images to maintain a record of the iron and stonework restoration.

The high res images will then be converted to line drawing images.

Metalwork in progress

26,02,25 | Uncategorized

As we proceed with the restoration of the old quay, we are focused on the systematic removal of the deteriorated and corroded metalwork that previously secured the granite pieces, uncovering the stones beneath. Each piece of oxidized metal not only reflects the passage of time and exposure but also plays a crucial role in the restoration process. By carefully extracting these elements, we rejuvenate the structure, ensuring it is equipped to endure against nature’s forces. This detailed effort is vital for maintaining the historical integrity of the quay and facilitates an appreciation for the skilled craftsmanship that has persevered through the ages, creating a lasting legacy for future generations. Through this process, we not only restore the physical structure but also reinforce a connection to the past, celebrating the artisanal traditions that have defined this centuries old structure..

Over the years, many of the large quay stones have been damaged or dislodged, most likely as a result of mooring ropes from boats during severe storms. To protect the integrity of the quay, many of the stones have been and still are held together with iron staples embedded in the surface. The original staples are all flat section wrought iron with the tines embedded in lead.

New staples will be fitted by drilling new holes for the tines. This is following expert advice as the chance of stones splitting would be too high if removal of the old staples was attempted.

17,02,25 | Uncategorized

Scaffolding is now in place.

The first section of scaffolding has been erected on the end of the Old Quay. Over the next few weeks work will begin to replace the wrought iron staples that keep some of the top quoins inplace. Where needed, new holes will be bored to accommodate the iron staples which will be set in resin and topped off with lead in order t preserve the appearance of the original fittings.

Also being replaced are the iron quay ladders currelty being consyructed locally.

The corroded remains of existing and corroded remains of staples are cleartly visibe.

The four stainless bolts will be drilled out to accommodate fixings for the new wrought iron ladders.

Restoration work in the harbour is being carried out following guidance from Historic England with advice and support from specialists in ther field. Topp & Co are one of the very few fabriction businesses able to supply genuine wrought iron and they are working closely with Pencarn Forge on the A30 at Canonstown to create the staples and ladders. Penzance Council are contributing £7.5k toward the cost of the new ironwork.