A reputation for excellence
Campbell Smith & Co are specialist decorators and restorers of fine and historic buildings. The company was originally established in 1873 by Charles Campbell, with the objective of producing decorations of the highest quality a tradition that has continued right through to this day. For over a hundred years Campbell Smith has been the leading name in period restorations within mainland Britain. Now, with work completed on well over 1250 churches, innumerable Heritage Buildings, Palaces and Castles, Campbell Smith remains the first port of call for anyone planning to restore a fine or historic building. Research, Design, Specification and Colour Consultancy Campbell Smith can assist with the design & specification for decorative schemes using our extensive knowledge of historic interiors and connections. Using Architectural Paint Research we are able to scientifically analyse individual layers of paint to identify the original decorative finishes and materials. Fine and High Quality Decorating High Quality decorating is the basis for all decorative finishes, whether plain or complex. Thorough preparation and careful application by our experienced and highly skilled craftsmen ensure a top quality finish to fine interiors from stately homes to historic buildings. Restoration & Traditional Paint techniques By careful and painstaking discovery of original architectural finishes our craftsmen are able to restore and re-create splendid decorative schemes that have been lost to view or have deteriorated over time. Specialist Decorations, Murals, Artwork and Effects A legacy of Campbell Smiths long tradition of fine interiors is a comprehensive knowledge of paint techniques to match any style from any era. Our technicians have the full range of expertise to enable the imitation of marble and wood grain, as well as stencilling, Trompe l oeil and broken colour work through to murals and Artwork. Ecclesiastical Theatres Government National Treasures Stately Homes Colleges and Universities Hotels, London Clubs and Livery Halls
Preserving our heritage
With well over a century working on some of the country s most famous and best loved buildings, Campbell Smith has proved itself a safe pair of hands for preserving and restoring National Treasures. We have a broad experience in restoring well-known and well-loved buildings in various categories, including: Ecclesiastic St. Paul s Cathedral St. Edmundsbury Cathedral Christchurch Spitalfields St. Martin-in-the-Field Canterbury Cathedral Westminster Cathedral Westminster Abbey Theatres Kings Theatre, Southsea Theatre Royal, Drury Lane Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street Government Palace of Westminster Foreign & Commonwealth Office Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Indian Embassy National Treasures Windsor Castle Buckingham Palace Kenwood House National Gallery Stately Homes Goodwood House Blenheim Palace Colleges and universities Downing College, Cambridge University of Roehampton Magdalen College, Oxford Hotels, London Clubs and Livery Halls The Dorchester The Savoy The Waldorf The Reform Club The Athenaeum The Garrick Goldsmiths Hall Drapers Hall Services Surveys Specialist Decoration Fine Decoration Restoration Reveal and Re-instate Murals and Artwork Colour Matching Traditional Paints
Research and craftsmanship In order to accurately restore or replicate the decorative techniques used on any historic building we would employ a combination of on-site documentary research and laboratory techniques to analyse all previous techniques and materials. We will often need to uncover a small area, layer by layer, to rediscover lost decorating effects such as graining and stencilling. At Campbell Smith we occasionally have the rare privilege when researching a particular historic building s past of being able to consult our own records! On occasions, however historical finishes require much more exhaustive analysis and research, followed by experimentation. Campbell Smith has craftsmen who specialise in the following techniques: Gilding Gilding is an essential element in many fine interiors. Over the years, Campbell Smith has undertaken gilding projects of all sizes, from subtle highlight areas, to huge contracts involving thousands of books of gold leaf. We use the Finest English Gold Leaf and other metals, samples of which are available prior to any specific project. These are then applied using oil gilding or water gilding techniques. The finish can then be distressed or aged to create a consistent authentic feel with existing decor or architecture. We can advise on the need for this at an initial consultation. Stencilling Stencilling formed an integral part of regency and Victorian decor. Having been involved in the creation of many original interiors, Campbell Smith has the pedigree and expertise to both restore existing interiors and create new ones. Stencilled designs are very intricate and can be multi-coloured, applied in consecutive layers.
Fabrics At Campbell Smith we have a broad experience of fabrics and how they are utilised in classic interiors. As with paint, we would always endeavour to research thoroughly the previous use of any fabrics and faithfully replicate if possible. Occasionally when working on a historic restoration we find that a particular fabric is no longer available in the same specification. In these cases we would always seek and propose a viable alternative. Trompe l`oeil Trompe l oeil, which literally means to trick the eye, is a specialist paint technique which creates the illusion of depth and dimension usually on a wall or ceiling. If well executed, a fake door, window or niche can remarkably alter the perspective of a space, creating the impression of a much larger area. A mural can either be produced in situ or onto canvas to be installed at a later date. We have a wealth of experience in creating the impression of panels, carvings, and architectural features and the technique can be used to enhance the overall feeling of space within a room or corridor. Marbling and graining At Campbell Smith we understand that a good marble finish requires a skilled eye to replicate the subtleties of the real material. The ancient art of Marbling has been around since Roman times, but was refined and defined by the Italian Renaissance masters. Marbling gives the impression of heavy and expensive materials in locations where these are a prerequisite. Graining requires an equally skilled eye to realistically reproduce the natural material, in this case wood, on panels, staircases or furniture. Like marbling it has been used for centuries to create the appearance of fine and expensive building materials. At Campbell Smith we use techniques handed down through generations, aided by modern technology and materials, to create authentic finishes. Classic Techniques Using our expertise in classic finishes we are able to provide a complete and comprehensive decorative scheme from initial concept, planning, research and design through to completion. A recent example was our award winning work to the organ at St. Edmundsbury Cathedral. Traditional Coatings Our experts are experienced in the execution of all the classic historic paint finishes: Distempers Soft and oil-bound paints for walls and ceilings Flat Oil Paint A dead flat finish for use on interior woodwork, joinery and panelling Limewash Used on porous plaster, render, stone and brick both internally and externally Traditional Paint techniques Applied by brush to create the most authentic finishes Bespoke samples can be created to meet the requirements of any specific contract.
Quality and Responsibility We have a commitment to quality and high standards not only in our painting, decorating and finishes, but also in the calibre of our operatives, supervisors and managers. This commitment to quality is enshrined in our operating policies and recognised in our accreditations. Quality assurance Our operatives are regularly assessed on workmanship and presentation Each project has a nominated Site Foreman who is the point of contact on site and oversees all quality on a daily basis A Contracts Manager is also appointed to each project to oversee all aspects of quality and be a point of contact for the client and product supplier To ensure quality throughout the supply chain we seek to enter into supply chain partnerships with our suppliers and our clients Campbell Smith is accredited to EXOR and ISO 9001 Quality Assurance. We are also members of the Dulux Contractor Partnership and registered with Constructionline, the Contractors Health & Safety scheme (CHAS), Safe Contractor Accreditation Certificate and Achilles Building Confidence via our holding company, Cousins Group.
Health and safety Our approach to Health and Safety is based on the idea of personal commitment. We believe everyone has a duty to take care of themselves and those around them. Campbell Smith is committed to creating a working environment where everyone feels safe, is part of a team, valued and able to realise their full potential. The success of our business depends on employing talented, motivated, professional employees. We strive to create an environment where employees can develop and grow in an inspiring team environment. The actions of our people are also important to us in achieving our long-term sustainability aims. We adhere to all current Health and Safety Legislation, and employ a full time Health and Safety Manager to promote Health and Safety throughout our organisation. We are fully experienced in carrying out risk assessments, COSHH assessments and complying with the CDM Regulations as principle contractor or trade contractor. Sustainability & environmental care Sustainability is a corporate value. It is a process of ensuring the wise use of all resources within a framework in which economic, environmental and social factors are integrated and balanced thus improving the quality of life both now and for generations to come. Accreditations Contractors Health & Safety Scheme Safe Contractor Accreditation Dulux Contractor Partnership Building Confidence Accreditation EXOR Accredited Construction Line Certified Our Awards: Campbell Smith has also won many individual awards and accolades from satisfied clients who acknowledge the excellence of our workmanship. 1991 Foreign & Commonwealth Office 1992 Aspinals Club, Mayfair 1993 Locarno Suite Whitehall 1994 Scottish Lord Advocates Office, St James s 1995 Foreign & Commonwealth Office 1996 Mottisfont Abbey 1997 Victoria & Albert Museum 1998 West London Synagogue 1999 German Embassy 2006 National Gallery Portico 2007 Bishop s Chapel, Farnham 2008 St. Martin-in-the-Field 2010 Downing College 2010 Overall Excellence Award, Painting & Decorating Association Accreditation Service for Certifying Bodies
Kenwood House Campbell Smith & Co has restored Kenwood House to its 18th Century splendour. The magnificent house, set in beautiful grounds on Hampstead Heath is home to an extensive art collection, and will become the Headquarters of English Heritage when it s completed. We have re-created the sanded paint finish as it would have been in the late 18th century by carefully applying graded sand, blown through specially designed equipment, onto a wet painted surface, complete with pseudo mortar joints to replicate stone blocks. The Robert Adam-designed library has been redecorated in colours to match Adam s original style. St. Martin-in-the-field St. Martin-in-the-Field is a landmark. Its fine architecture and prominent location place it at the heart of the nation. Its work has valued historic tradition, but St. Martin s has always been innovative in response to changing needs. In January 2006 St. Martin s embarked on a 36 million building project to restore and transform the church and surrounding buildings by creating a new sequence of beautiful, practical and inspirational spaces. The works included cleaning, restoration, traditional coatings and gilding. The National Gallery During the late 1990 s a section of ornate plaster fell from the main entrance ceiling of The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Luckily nobody was injured, but a piece of the original decorative scheme, created by John Crace, the well-known Victorian Artist, was revealed. Following exhaustive research to uncover the original scheme, Campbell Smith was engaged to carry out the full re-creation of the decorative finishes, extensive ornate stencil and gilding works. This was a great success for which Campbell Smith won the coveted Rose Bowl award from the Painting and Decorating Federation.
In harmony with history
www.campbellsmithandco.co.uk Southern Office 99 Fleet Road Fleet Hampshire GU51 3PJ t: 01252 618 002 f: 01252 618 001 e:campbells@campbellsmithandco.co.uk London Office Unit N0002 Westminster Business Square 1-45 Durham Street Vauxhall London SE11 5JH t: 0207 587 3755 f: 0207 582 8826 e:campbells@campbellsmithandco.co.uk