Victorian & Edwardian Promenade Shelters
Southsea: Portsmouth

Having identified the necessary work, we were able to salvage as much as possible of the original structures, always a key consideration in a well-managed restoration project. Where necessary, new timber from the same species of tree was then used to replace damaged, missing and decayed elements of the main structures and the benches.

Similarly, wherever possible, cast iron components were repaired by our metalwork specialists – exposure to a century and more of the bracing sea air had caused some corrosion, as well, along with impact damage from a number of sources. Where cast iron elements were missing, then the best-preserved examples of each were used as the basis for the casting of replacement, matching the originals.

Once the repairs and replacements were completed and protective layers of specialist coatings applied, the shelters were reassembled and finished in the distinctive, historic yellow paint scheme, familiar to visitors over the years.

All that was then required, was for the shelters to be delivered back to their home for reinstallation, with them being lifted onto the lorries being a providing a memorable sight.

Similarly, they did attract fair degree of attention as they travelled along 200 miles of motorway, before being repositioned from whence they came – hopefully to be enjoyed for another century or more, either taking in the vista of sand, sea and shipping that their location has to offer, or simply providing cover from the elements when it is required.