Perfectly Frank 2023 Highlights

December 2023

A Perfectly Frank Round Up of 2023

 
A Lincrusta feature on a chimney breast wall, finished in red with gilded gold highlights on the raised relief. A Lounge decorated for Christmas with the woodburner blazing.

PHOTO CREDIT: Our customer, Dean. A Lincrusta feature wall installation finished in red and gold, dressed for Christmas.

 

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.


Rare Victorian Embossed Door Panel Designs

In our very first blog, Hidden Treasures in your Period Home (January ‘23), we recounted the rediscovery story of Diana and Flora, the two new loves of Frank’s life! Rare heritage Lincrusta Victorian door panels dating c.1880s.

Diana and Flora, Roman goddesses in the form of Victorian Lincrusta door panels, rediscovered during renovations of a Victorian family home in Wavertree, Liverpool. Moulds made for replication by Frank Holmes Fine Decor, Morecambe.

Liverpool home - Victorian Lincrusta Door Panels, Diana and Flora, moulds made by Frank Holmes Fine Decor.

Then, in the spring, we were ecstatic when the owners of Pomona and Ceres, who saw our post on Facebook, contacted us. Visits were arranged to both homes, moulds made, and we facilitated an exchange of designs. Now both owners of these originals have the full set of four Roman goddesses - and we have the moulds so we can reproduce them. Ceres has already been replicated to join her sisters in another home on the south coast.

Surviving Victorian Lincrusta door panels c.1890, depicting Roman goddesses Ceres and Pomona, with Cranes in water scenes below.  Moulds made and available for reproduction by Frank Holmes Fine Decor, Morecambe.

The Old Rectory - Lincrusta Door Panels c.1890 - moulds made by Frank Holmes Fine Decor

Lincrusta archive image of Victorian decorative door panel insert designs c.1880's.  Copies of these original door panels are available from Frank Holmes Fine Decor, Morecambe. Approved Lincrusta Installer and Restorer, email@frankholmesltd.com

Lincrusta Archives - Victorian Decorative Door Panels c.1880s

A few weeks ago, we acquired several more designs for our collection that are in great condition for their age. Imagine our excitement - YES! We now have all the designs from this original catalogue page - image above. Parrots and cranes, Diana, Ceres, Flora and Pomona, grapes and vine leaf designs, plus a few other Victorian decorative Lincrusta door panel designs.

More on that in the New Year.

Behind the scenes, we’ll be making time soon to fully catalogue our collection for reproduction.



Historic Tynecastle Wallpapers at Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere

The Langdale Chase Hotel, reopened in November ‘23 following a major refurbishment over the previous 12 months. Built in 1891, this stunning hotel sits in an enviable position on the shores of Lake Windermere.  Frank was privileged to play a small part in its continuing evolution when he was asked to help restore what was thought to be Lincrusta. 

We delved into our archives and discovered these embossed canvas wallpapers, friezes (imitation plaster), dado and borders were not Lincrusta but were made by the Scott Morton Tynecastle Company. CLICK HERE to see our project gallery, including archive images, before and after repairs, and refinishing with a subtle two-tone glaze by Frank Holmes Fine Decor.




Scott Morton & Company Tynecastle canvas ceiling tiles, border and wallpapers at Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere - before restoration by Frank Holmes Fine Decor, Heritage Decorator- restoration & repairs of relief wallpapers, north west England

Before renovations, identifying wallpaper designs c.1891 from archives - Lounge at Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere.

After renovations - Lounge and new bar area at Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere.

The Oak Room , Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere - Arts and Crafts style William Scott Morton Tynecastle frieze restored by Frank Holmes Fine Decor 2023.ecastle

The Oak Room, Langdale Chase Hotel, Windermere - Scott Morton & Co Tynecastle Canvas Frieze c.1891, repaired and refinished by Frank Holmes Fine Decor in 2023.


We hope you have enjoyed reading our blogs. Please do comment below or send us a message. We would love to hear from you!

WhatsApp 07761 712843. Email@frankholmesltd.com

You can sign up to receive future Perfectly Frank blog posts on heritage decorating directly to your inbox - subscribe here. We promise not to spam you with unwanted emails. Unsubscribe any time.

Wishing you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Until next time,

Frank and Amanda

Frank Holmes Fine Decor

Morecambe, England

 

DISCLAIMER:

This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal. They do not represent those of people or organisations that the company may or may not be associated with. Perfectly Frank blog posts are for information and entertainment only. Information is correct only to the best of our knowledge. Frank Holmes Ltd is not liable for any actions undertaken by readers after reading these posts. Please take advice from a qualified professional before making any changes to your property or its contents.

Copyright for all posts: Frank Holmes Ltd