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Hibberts Almshouses
Façade repair
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Built in 1859 by Sarah and Mary Ann Hibbert in memory of their father, William Hibbert, the Hibberts Almshouses were established to provide accommodation for women from the Ancient Parish of Clapham. Over time, the historic fabric of the building had deteriorated, requiring a carefully planned programme of conservation and repair to preserve its distinctive Victorian character.
Client
Mea Consulting
Dates
January 2023
—
July 2023
Location
London
Grade listing
Grade II
Fabric
Slate
Repairing the fabric of the façade
DBR undertook extensive conservation works to the exterior of the Almshouses, focusing on the repair and replacement of defective stonework across the façade. Masonry repairs, brick rebuilding and slate replacements were carried out to address areas affected by weathering and deterioration, ensuring the long-term stability and appearance of the building.
Recreating lost architectural details
A significant element of the project involved the carving and installation of new stonework to replace damaged or missing architectural features. New corbels, finials and other decorative elements were expertly crafted to match the original detailing. Roof works included the reintroduction of missing tower finials, alongside the replacement of defective leadwork and slating, helping to restore the building’s historic silhouette.
Craftsmanship beyond the scaffold
Due to site constraints and the need to minimise dust and noise, much of the stone carving was undertaken at the quarry rather than on site. Before any work commenced, DBR’s draughtsman carefully recorded and measured the original architectural details, ensuring that every replacement accurately reflected the historic design. This meticulous approach allowed the new stonework to blend seamlessly with the surviving fabric.
Finishing the story by hand
While much of the masonry was produced off site, selected carved stones were completed on site to allow direct comparison with the original features. This enabled DBR’s craftsmen to study surviving details at close quarters and refine the carving accordingly. Through a combination of detailed recording, traditional craftsmanship and sensitive conservation techniques, the project successfully preserved the character and architectural significance of the Hibberts Almshouses for future generations.
