Conservation of the Carved Beam at 7 The Pavement, St Ives – December 2024

Overview by Chair:

Following concerns about the vulnerability of the carved wooden beam (historically part of the coat of arms of Ramsey Abbey) currently a lintel over a doorway of the shopfront at 7 The Pavement, the Civic Society gained advice from an experienced conservation company that had previously worked on conserving medieval carvings from churches and cathedrals called Andrew and Mark Hoskins Ltd.

Their report found (amongst other observations) that: “Although extremely weathered and bleached in appearance, the oak timber is remarkably sound”. Although it was considered that some vestiges of a filler material could be absorbing humidity and felt noticeably damp.

A three-stage process was proposed by the conservation company to examine, clean and conserve the beam at the cost of approximately £1850.

Given the building’s listed status, the Civic Society recommends that the conservation work to clean and protect the historic carved beam is undertaken as a key element of refurbishing the premises, and that the Planning Committee require the work to be funded by either the landlord or tenant.

It is further proposed that the carved beam is given historic status by the dedication of one of the Civic Society’s Black Plaques. For further details of the restorers: www.andrewandmarkhoskins.co.uk.