Glasshouses are by their very nature fragile structures. Glass is easily broken and the metal or wood supporting the glass is usually minimal so that the maximum amount of light can reach the plants inside. The high humidity needed to grow plants rots timber and corrodes iron.
Throughout its one hundred year life span the Long Range has been restored several times, most recently in 2014 when extensive repairs were carried out on the east range and central conservatory. Work has now begun to restore the five bays in the west range, as part of the 'Clumber Park Revitalised' project.
The process will include:
- Careful removal and storage of glass panes
- Removal and replacement of timber glazing bars and capping pieces
- Filling/repairs of main glazing spars
- Painting of new and repaired timber
- Cleaning and refitting of glass panes
- Removal and replacement of wooden ventilation sashes
- Replacement of corroded metal work
Disabled Access:
Due to the nature of the works taking place and their location, disabled access to the Glasshouse may be restricted at times, particularly weekdays, due to the scaffolding construction required. Access to certain collections in the glasshouse may also be restricted temporarily. This is unfortunately unavoidable, but we will attempt to complete works as quickly as possible in order to restore full access and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Some stats:
2,016 panes of glass are being cleaned for re-use. Their total surface area is 4,489 square feet.
The panes will be held with 8,064 metal pins and 4,032 straps.
126 wooden glazing bars and 42 capping pieces have been manufactured. Their total length is 975 metres – nearly 1 kilometre.
Each glazing bar and capping piece is being painted four times, a total length of 3.9 kilometres. This would be more than enough to paint a 4ins wide continuous white line along Clumber’s Lime Tree Avenue, which is a mere 3.2 kilometres long.
“The Long Range is one of Clumber’s iconic features and a firm favourite with our visitors." - Chris Margrave, Head Gardener
