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1 July 2022

Here’s the latest update on the Hull Maritime Museum refurbishment. June was another busy month at the museum, with work progressing well internally and externally.

The main areas of activity include work to the exterior of the building. It has been washed using steam and pressure, a technique called glass blasting, the two terracotta finials to the top of the cupolas have also been given an extensive clean showing a dramatic result, repairs and repointing will now commence prior to the final clean pre scaffold removals early 2023.

Two domes are currently undergoing restoration consisting of timber repairs and the reinstatement of the original lead that has been re smelted in Leicester and returned for reinstatement, works to repair the feature stonework to the high level roof has commenced, the masonry repairs generally are underway with replacement stone expected in the coming weeks.

The joiners are starting window works on the two domes, then working down the building
The lead will be reinstated on the domes

Other main areas of work include further structural work within the building, with steel trusses being installed on the second floor to enable the floor to be opened up to the pubic within the new exhibition space.

Steel trusses have been lifted into place
Atrium space will open up the building

Joiners are on site and have started refurbishment of the windows, beginning with the drum windows that need detailed restoration due to current poor state to these highly exposed areas, then working through the building restoring the existing windows to ensure they are fully operational, also cleaning and reinstating the original ironmongery.

Extensive work is being undertaken in the basement including new drainage to revised layouts/ waterproofing is ongoing with wall and floor membranes being installed in readiness for the specialist waterproof plaster, forming of aperture’s for the new services runs is ongoing with specialist floor screeding planned for the end of July.

Preparations are well underway for new services
Wall and floor membranes have been installed

In the Court Room, sections of the original floor are being uplifted to enable new services to be routed through the area, upon completion of these works the floor will be reinstalled ready to receive sanding and re finishing.

Sections of the Court Room flooring is being lifted
The windows have been revealed after being covered for years

Next steps

The roof will be the next priority of work for the team at Simpsons. The slate is going to be removed, going back to timber to allow insulation to be installed. It is hoped that 70 per cent of slate will be retained.

Commencement of new mechanical and electrical systems working around the listed features.