Work in Progress September 2009

 

The skyline of Antrim has returned to normal as the refurbished top section of the Cupola, the lantern feature, was lowered back onto the roof of the building.

 

Gary Shaw, Cultural Services Manager explains, “Work has been ongoing off-site to repair and restore this stunning feature, which dominated the Antrim skyline for almost 200 years. Passersby will also notice a new ball finial and spike on top with an integrated lightning conductor.”

 

Gary continues, “While off-site, the Cupola was divided into two sections to assist with the restoration and repair work. Repairs to the original windows and louvers are nearing completion and these will be installed over the next few weeks. This aspect of the scheme has proved extremely challenging due to the weight and size of the feature.”

 

Gary concludes, “The Cupola was added to the old Courthouse around 90 years after the building was originally constructed and never had any specific function other than providing a small degree of ventilation to the roof space. It had rested on a number of timber roof trusses, the condition of which had deteriorated significantly through time. The feature is now supported internally by a series of new steel beams that span the building.”