Page 51 - Bulletin 19 2015

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Especially when there is so much proper stone around I would much rather see a plastered

wall than these fake stones. (Fig. 1.72.)

Here we see a recent extension of a stone wall. The original wall was probably just bagged
jointing and at some stage someone decided that it needed the unnecessary grid of raised

cement pointing to express coursing on what is essentially a random stone wall. This example
is unfortunately very common where new stonework has been carried out. (Fig. 1.73.) Further

along at Rodwell House much effort has been made to express the stone ball in the timber

addition. (Fig. 1.74.)

Up St. James Road the old cement plastered staircase is simple and has weathered to a soft

grey. The ramp section with the saw tooth walls is charming. (Fig. 1.75 & 1.76.)

The Star of the Sea buildings are significant for their scale and grouping. The courtyard space
becomes part of the road and the stonework is wonderfully presented as it steps up the

mountainside. The brickwork addition to the top of the Bell Tower is a shocker as is the
Rectory to the south side. This is face brick at its worst. (Figs. 1.77 – 1.80.)

A quick trip up Jacobs Ladder: all the staircases of the area are so important, each unique and
crucial to the character of the place. This important set of steps is currently being repaired

after the installation of electric cabling. The re-use of the stone stair nosings is commendable
but the infill of the sandy coloured screed is inappropriate. These detail decisions are

obviously very important if we are to maintain and improve the overall character of the area.

(Figs. 1.81 – 82.)

In a number of places stonework violates all the rules. Mortar joints are too wide – stones
appear to be floating in a cement wall. Mortar has been smeared. The stones could not stay in

position without the mortar glue. In other words the essential nature of the stone has been

completely lost. (Figs. 1.83 & 1.84.) In contrast, there is some beautiful stonework. I love the
character which is achieved using wood together with stone. (Figs. 1.85 & 1.86.)

Reaching the top we find cracking steps in need of repair. (Fig. 1.87.)

At The Homestead on Ley Road we have an obvious willingness to use stone but the scale is