LM Conservation was approached by the caretakers of Llandaff Cathedral to design and make two replica oak plank doors, complete with frames, for the Cathedrals’ Somerset-style, north-west bell-tower: Jasper Tower.

The existing doors were non-original replacements, approximately 50 years old judging by the design and construction methods, and had been repeatedly repaired and altered over the decades. As the doors were not an original architectural feature, and were no longer fit for purpose due to constant exposure to the elements, they had to be redesigned from architectural references to restore the original design and accommodate the roof-top conditions.

Made from Welsh Oak, the doors were of a tongue and groove construction while the frames were crafted using a combination of jointed curve work and steam bending. This was necessary to achieve the arched frame heads that allows the joinery to sit within the existing arches of the stonework.

It was possible to preserve some of the original ironmongery; particularly of note was the impressive pivot hinge that was embedded deep within the stone wall. The doors and frames were finished with a natural boiled teak oil (as part of an on-going maintenance programme) and the meeting between the new frames and the original stone work was sealed with burnt sand-mastic.