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April 2024
Provand's Lordship goes back to the future with a lime harling coat

Provand's Lordship goes back to the future with a lime harling coat

April 30 2024

Glasgow's oldest tenement has been restored to its original lime harling finish following comprehensive conservation work by John Gilbert Architects.

The £1.6m refurbishment was led by Glasgow Life to protect Provand's Lordship from severe weather while upgrading building services.

Dating from 1471 the A-listed tenement suffered from inappropriate cement pointing applied to stonework during earlier repairs which prevented the walls from breathing. This has been replaced by lime mortar and a period-correct lime harling finish.

The changes, combined with new double glazing to replace 1980s units, replacement of non-original rainwater goods and structural repairs mean the building is much more resilient to water damage.

Project director and conservation architect Scott Abercrombie said: “It has been an honour to be entrusted with a critical part of the city’s heritage and to have the opportunity to understand the building better. We also want to commend Glasgow Life for the support and backing they’ve offered throughout this bold approach on the site, and City Building (Glasgow) and the craftspeople they’ve brought in who have done a fantastic job.”

Research undertaken as part of the project found that the original lime harling was removed during earlier repairs around 1920. The project team includes Narro Associates, Luths Services and Frew Conservation. Photography by Tom Manley.