The London Oratory speaks volumes for quality lead workmanship

Popularly known as the London (or Brompton) Oratory, the Oratory of St. Phillip Neri and the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is a celebrated London landmark just down the road from Harrods and next to the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is a large church comparable in size to many cathedrals.

Italian Baroque in style, it is made more memorable by the great dome crowning the composition. The dome had been created in 1895 as the crowning glory of the second largest Roman Catholic church in London.

After 117 years the lead was finally showing signs of fixing fatigue and crystallisation, with minor signs of underside corrosion evident in some areas, and so the decision was taken for a major refurbishment to be carried out.  Martin (UK) Roofing Systems were entrusted with this difficult renovation project and work started in March of 2012.

Using Code 6 on the ribs and Code 7 on the main body of the dome, the Martin (UK) team installed a total of approximately 57 tonnes of rolled lead sheet supplied by Associated Lead Mills. The project also included the cleaning, repair and gilding of the ornate copper orb and bronze cross which had been previously attended to in 1950.

However, to comply with current standards, the replacement lead sheets and detailing required some alteration and the introduction of high level ventilation. The Victorians understood the need for good ventilation and had incorporated vents into the void However, to comply with current standards, the replacement lead sheets and detailing required some alteration and the introduction of high level ventilation. The Victorians understood the need for good ventilation and had incorporated vents into the void behind the substrate boarding. Evidently it was a successful system as no sign of underside corrosion was found on the main dome. However, additional ventilation was introduced within the ornate head of the lantern.

The finished dome was a credit to the skilled craftsmen of Martin (UK), who are trained and qualified to Heritage Leadworker status, and it was agreed that the project should be entered into the 2013 Murdoch Award - the ultimate accolade for leadwork.

In announcing Martin (UK) as the winners in October 2013, Chairman of the Awards Panel Dick Murdoch paid tribute to the careful attention to detail on such a high profile project and the judges were sure that it would be at least another 100 years before this leadwork needed any further attention.

Managing Director David Martin paid tribute to his on-site team who had been left in no doubt as to the quality standards demanded by such a high profile and prestigious building. “I am very proud that they rose to the occasion and delighted to see their efforts rewarded by the Murdoch Award judges.”

Graham Hudson, Managing Director of Associated Lead Mills, who have sponsored the Murdoch Award since 2005, was especially pleased with the judges’ choice, as the material used was supplied by his own company.

“Although entrants to the Murdoch Award can use any suppliers material, as long as it’s BSEN12588 or traditional sand cast, I was delighted that it was our own metal used on this year’s winning entry,” he said.