Extended Condition

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Condition survey carried out by Graciela Ainsworth Conservationists - Jan 2018 for Balfron Community Council.

Introduction
The survey of Balfron War Memorial was undertaken by request from Balfron Community Council on 26th January, 2018 by Will Collier for Graciela Ainsworth Sculpture Conservation Ltd.

The memorial is an approx. 5m high structure (2.5m diameter at base) on a stepped plinth (3.5m diameter) comprising of rough-hewn fine-grained igneous stone blocks with buff sandstone steps at the plinth section and dressed buff sandstone quoin stones framing the two bronze inscription panels. The 2 bronze panels measure 2,200mm x 980mm and 350mm x 950mm.

Condition
The igneous stone blocks are robust and hard-wearing and, in general, remain sound. However, there is one loose stone at the lower front area to the proper left of the panels. There are also 6 loose stones at the very top of the memorial. This is in part due to the failing mortars at the joints.

The joints in general are a patchwork of original mortar and more recent cementitous repairs which have been carried out in a piecemeal fashion over the years. Much of the original mortar is failing or lost allowing water ingress and the repairs, being a hard
cement, are not "breathable" and are trapping moisture in the stone both of which provide the potential for damage to the stone through freeze/thaw cycles. The replacement of the "non-breathable" mortar with appropriate lime-based mortars prevents these concerns.

There are two areas of the buff sandstone that are damaged that without intervention will rapidly deteriorate. One at a quoin stone at the proper right frame and one at the top step.

There are the remains of vegetation and other organic growth mostly at the joints (residue from previous cleaning undertaken by volunteers last year). The sandstone quoin stones and steps are also exhibiting surface grime and light organic growth.

The bronze panels are weathered and have lost all their protective patination. There is also an unknown painted layer over 90% of the bronze surface which is unsightly and diminishes the legibility of the inscription and relief. At the time of survey a small cleaning test was undertaken using methyl chloride at the lower proper right corner of the larger panel which proved successful but also proved the unknown layer to be time-consuming in its removal. There are also small areas of scratched graffiti at the lower sections.

The full report is available from Balfron Community Council.

31/3/2018 An application for funding repairs has been submitted to the War Memorials Trust, and the outcome expected by end May 2018.  In parallel, the Balfron Community Council looking to commence a fund raising scheme to raise additional funds not covered by the War Memorial Trust.

BALFRON