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Not Just a Backdrop Conservation of the Normansfield Theatre Scenery

This project involves the conservation and preservation of the historic Normansfield Theatre scenery, including over 100 items of 19th-century backdrop and flats. The project includes documentation, treatment, and preparation for storage.

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Not Just a Backdrop Conservation of the Normansfield Theatre Scenery

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  1. Not Just a Backdrop Conservation of the Normansfield Theatre Scenery Project undertaken by Conservation Services Textile Conservation Centre Initial documentation and preparation for storage 1996; treatment phase 2003-5

  2. Born 1828, grocer, apothecary & pharmacist; qualified as doctor 1858. First to identify symptoms later known as Down’s Syndrome. Worked at Earlswood Asylum 1858-1868 Established Normansfield in Hampton Wick in 1868 as his home and as private institution for training of learning disabled. Theatre/entertainment hall added 1879 & survives today in remarkable state of preservation; over 100 items of 19th century scenery also survive Dr John Langdon Down -His Hospital “..make life joyous & quicken the power of thought”

  3. From Past to Present Front view of Langdon Down building

  4. The Hall and Theatre in 1879 Line drawing to commemorate the opening of the theatre

  5. The Theatre and its Stage The stage and scenery prior to conservation “Normansfield stands head and shoulders above them all. … one of the most remarkable private theatres in Britain.” John Earl. 1998. ‘John Langdon Down; a caring pioneer.’

  6. Elements of a stage set

  7. Rolled cloths – backdrop and border Vaulted ceiling - border Beach scene - backdrop

  8. Examples of flats

  9. Makers Stamps on the Scenery

  10. On site in 1996: Scenery stored behind the stage Stack of scenic flats - dirty and vulnerable Rolled cloths - inaccessible

  11. Rescue Survey Team Working on Site in 1996

  12. Condition – structural damage

  13. Condition - Painted Surfaces Cupping paint Powdering paint

  14. Research and Testing Fire retardants used on scenery – tests to identify any health and safety risks Fibre Identification

  15. Rare for 19th century scenery to survive. Over 100 pieces of scenery including rolled painted cloths 35m square and large painted canvases on wooden strainers (flats). Client decision to conserve one full set of scenery for static on-stage display, rest to be made safe for storage & study. Interdisciplinary approach crucial: textile & painting conservators, theatre historians, wood conservators etc. The Conservation Challenge

  16. The False Proscenium Set

  17. The Street Scene Set The street scene set was to be conserved for static on-stage display

  18. Conservation at the TCC 2003-2005Storage and Handling Moving the scenery to outside storage units

  19. The Communication Chain Client Laing Homes, property development company Textile Conservation Centre Langdon Down Centre Trust Building Project Manager, Stephen Kirby, Bourne Wood Partnership

  20. The Importance of a Consistent Approach

  21. Documentation Workshop notes: tracking of objects Diagrams recording the progress of consolidation

  22. Surface Cleaning Surface cleaning in progress on reverse of Wallpaper Room flat. Protective gear due to mould Colours revealed after cleaning on Street Scene backdrop

  23. Consolidation

  24. Supporting Areas of Loss Important evidence of historical use Supporting loss with painted patches

  25. Treatment of wood and metal elements Wood clamped after adhesive repair Application of protective lacquer on metal

  26. Scenery Destined for Storage Treatment: minimal intervention to support damaged areas Prop: mirror with torn canvas

  27. Work on Site Surface cleaning Rolled cloth storage unit

  28. Storage of Scenery Flats

  29. Installing Stage Scenery Raising the backdrop Installing the flats

  30. Conclusions Stage prior to installation of the scenery

  31. Conclusions The theatre today with conserved stage scenery

  32. TCC’s work shortlisted for the Conservation Award 2005

  33. The Future • Theatre is beautifully restored and is now owned and managed by Langdon Down Centre Trust • It is the national HQ of Down’s Syndrome Association. • The scenery is safely housed in specially created storage. • The theatre is now accessible to the public. • It is now a community resource.

  34. Acknowledgements All the colleagues both inside and outside the TCC for their invaluable contributions. Nicola Costaras, Tim Craven, Dr. Paul Garside, Nicola Yates, Vivian Lochhead, Shayne Rivers, Dr. Paul Wyeth, Alan Phenix, Dr. Christina Young. Special thanks to: Dinah Eastop, Nell Hoare and Carla Petschek, Stephen Kirby, David Wilmore, Peter Longman and John Earl, Carol and Stephen Boyes.

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