Collins Care and Repair of Period Houses - Tapa dura

After the destructive 1960s and 1970s, when it was fashionable to ‘modernise’ properties by covering over or removing old features, the majority of home-owners today are now keen to restore their homes to their original state, not just to add period character but also to increase the value of their property.

Collins Period Houses is a comprehensive, photographic guide to renovating and maintaining the decorative architectural features of older houses. It puts authentic restoration firmly within the grasp of all period-home owners. Comprehensive in coverage and illustrated in full colour throughout, the book functions both as an inspirational sourcebook of historical styles and as a practical manual on the care and repair of houses built between the mid-eighteenth century and the outbreak of the Second World War.

Includes:

EXTERNAL FEATURES & ROOFS
Brickwork, stucco, stonework, balconies, gates, railings, decorative woodwork, wooden wall cladding, slate & tiled roofs, shingles, bargeboards, chimneys.

INTERIOR WALLS & CEILINGS
Plasterwork, ornamental mouldings, wall tiles, carved woodwork, wall panelling & finishes.

FLOORS
Flagstones, floorboards, parquet floors, quarry tiles, decorative painting.

DOORS & WINDOWS
Doorcases & door surrounds, panelled & glazed doors, sash & casement windows, leaded lights, stained & patterned glass, fanlights, shutters, door & window furniture.

STAIRS
Wooden staircases, stone steps, balusters, newel posts, handrails.

FIREPLACES
Mantelpieces, grates, hearths, stoves, tiled & marble fireplaces.

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & LIGHTING
Planning, adaptation & styles for period homes.

'Collins Care & Repair of Period Houses'

'Collins Care & Repair of Period Houses' puts authentic restoration firmly within the grasp of all period home owners. Comprehensive in coverage and illustrated in full colour throughout, the book functions both as an inspirational sourcebook of historical styles and as a practical manual on the care and repair of houses built between the mid-eighteenth century and the outbreak of the Second World War.

The book provides practical advice on a wide range of subjects, including:

External Features & Roofs
Brickwork, stucco, stonework, balconies, gates, railings, decorative woodwork, wooden wall cladding, slate & tiled roofs, shingles, bargeboards, chimneys.

Interior Walls & Ceilings
Plasterwork, ornamental mouldings, wall tiles, carved woodwork, wall panelling & finishes.

Floors
Flagstones, floorboards, parquet floors, quarry tiles, decorative paving.

Doors & Windows
Doorcases & door surrounds, panelled & glazed doors, sash & casement windows, leaded lights, stained & patterned glass, fanlights, shutters, door & window furniture.

Stairs
Wooden staircases, stone steps, balusters, newel posts, handrails.

Fireplaces
Mantelpieces, grates, hearths, stoves, tiled & marble fireplaces.

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Lighting
Planning, adaptation & styles for period homes.

Detailed instructions and clear, informative illustrations explain exactly what can be done – and the book also indicates what should be left well alone and when it may be necessary to call in a specialist.

The authors Albert Jackson & David Day were awarded Master's degrees in furniture design at the Royal College of Art, London, before following careers in publishing as writers, designers and illustrators of books on practical subjects. If a greater understanding comes from living with something for a long time then they are well qualified to produce a book on the renovation of older houses: Albert Jackson owns a late Victorian house and David Day an Edwardian one, both located in the suburbs of London.

Jackson & Day have made many television appearances in Britain, including two nationally broadcast BBC TV series on furniture making and renovation. Their previous books – published by HarperCollins to much acclaim and now acknowledged as standard works on their respective subjects – include:

The essential guide for all owners of period homes, providing comprehensive, practical guidance on all aspects of sympathetic care and repair.

"A wealth of practical information, clearly and attractively presented."
PERIOD LIVING MAGAZINE

"The most comprehensive manual of its kind to date."
THE VICTORIAN SOCIETY