Welcome to our ‘Perfectly Frank’ Blog.
After years spent restoring beautiful period property interiors, the more we appreciate the craftsmanship of the designers of the day. We felt the need to talk about how to respectfully restore and look after original features. So, we started writing our regular ’Perfectly Frank’ blog.
Our aim is to help and inspire the new generations of homeowners keen to renovate their Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian homes to their former glory. Please do add a comment, we love to hear from our readers. Or, if you prefer, email us at email@frankholmesltd.com.
A Perfectly Frank Round Up of 2023
As 2023 ends we’d like to thank all of you who have continued to follow our ‘Perfectly Frank’ blog. We hope you had a restful Christmas break however you chose to celebrate the season.
We have some special highlights to look back on.
Rediscovering rare Victorian Lincrusta decorative door panels.
Restoring Heritage Tynecastle canvas wallpapers at Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere.
In our work we are privileged to come across a wide variety of wonderful wallpapers from yesteryear. But which period do they come from? Many styles have experienced a revival or two as trends come and go.
How do we go about dating wallpaper designs?
Is there a wallpaper archive?
Read MoreWe have been fans of Lincrusta for many years and Frank officially became an Approved Lincrusta Installer in 2015. In our work we are often asked similar questions over and again so we decided that it’s time we publish our most Frequently Asked Questions for all to read.
Read MoreThe bees have been buzzing around what remains of the summer flowers in our garden whilst I contemplated this next blog post. It’s been a busy summer for us too. Frank has had the privilege of being small part of an exciting major hotel renovation project where we were able to identify several historic canvas wallpapers c.1891. Meanwhile, Amanda had an archive research trip to the study centre at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.
Read MoreThis summer we are celebrating momentous milestones in both our marriage and business partnership.
Earlier this month we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary and took an opportunity to attend a wood-graining masterclass. Also, Frank was interviewed by Cumbria Life Magazine about his restoration work, and we are gearing up to exhibit at Design Central North West, a prestigious interior design trade show.
Read MoreECJS Dining Car No.189 is one of the world’s oldest surviving dining carriages, yet in 1998 it was a week away from destruction. Once working on the London – Edinburgh/ Aberdeen ‘races to the North’ run and part of the Flying Scotsman train.
This month’s blog has something for everyone, whether you enjoy social history, the Victorian era, or the nostalgia of vintage steam train travel - the rescue of Victorian dining carriage ECJS 189 has been quite a journey so far.
Read MoreEarlier this month we spent the weekend at Country Fest, Crooklands. Celebrating all things relating to rural life, the show was a fun-filled weekend for all the family. With everything from kites and vehicle displays, arena demonstrations and competitions, animals including giant tortoises, sheep, rabbits and Shetland ponies, plus an array of performers on the band stand throughout the weekend.
Read MoreThere are so many ways to successfully combine heritage style with modern day living.
This month we look at 3 ideas, including repurposed Roman Goddess wall art, re-imagined furniture pieces by Patience & Gough Interior Design Studio, and a project where traditional techniques and materials are combined in a home with flair!
Read MoreFollowing a recent interview, this month Frank’s work is featured an article written by The Guild of Master Craftsmen.
Read the full article below, which includes a project example where Frank was able to repair a discontinued Lincrusta-Walton dado panel design from 1904, now restored to former glory.
Read MoreI’ve always been a fan of the Arts and Crafts Movement and March is a month to celebrate because this is when its leading light, William Morris, was born (24th March 1834).
Both Amanda and I are on a journey of discovery as we learn more about other artists and designers who were engaged by the leading wallpaper manufacturers of the late 19th century.
Read MoreIn my work it is encouraging to see a growing trend of people buying older properties and sympathetically renovating them, taking the time to reinstate lost features where possible or make repairs to maintain the original character. In my opinion, these buildings and their interiors are an interesting snapshot of history.
Read MoreFrank Holmes, Approved Lincrusta Installer answers some questions.
My love for Lincrusta started when I first began decorating over 30 years ago. I’ve always admired the decorative details of things, especially in historical properties.
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