Project overview

Project overview
Cliveden Conservation has continued its involvement with Willesden Cemetery, having already completed a Condition Survey and Conservation Plan in 2017 to carry out the conservation treatment of six key monuments as part of the United Synagogue National Lottery Heritage Fund’s supported initiative ‘House of Life’.

Summary of the conservation work carried out
Conservators carried out cleaning trials to the six monuments which varied in style and material to determine a level of cleaning which would not affect their patina of age. Conservation treatment was tailored for each of the monuments to enhance their appearance without over cleaning and to slow down natural erosion.

Ammonium carbonate poultices were used to remove any black sulphate crusts on the stone in combination with a specialist pressure and steam cleaning device. Open stonework was repointed with either a hydraulic lime mortar or hot lime mortar depending on the material to stop the ingress of water.

Cliveden Conservation consulted with structural engineers about the stability of some of the monuments and carried out remedial repairs. Metal conservation and repainting of the wrought iron Lewis Emanuel Memorial was completed by Coode Conservation

Results
Through sensitive conservation, the structural stability of the rare monuments which includes two of Willesden’s Grade II listed memorials and a tomb designed by Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones has been safeguarded and their appearance has been greatly improved. By working with the in-house maintenance team, new specialist methods of care for other graves in the cemetery have been introduced.