Admiral Beatty’s Union Jack cleaned and re-displayed by The Landi Company

The flag had been hanging vertically for many years against a wall in the church which was damp. Dirt and mould had taken their toll and earlier out-door use had shortened it by about 20cm.

Otherwise the condition of the cloth was strong except for a few tears and loss from moth.

The project was to clean and re-display the flag in a different position within the church, at the same time turning it to fly horizontally so as to be out of the way.

The site chosen was over the arch leading to the base of the tower at the west end and above the font.

The aim was to hang it in such a way as to minimise the weight to be hung and disguise the presence of the framework which supported the flag.

The lack of precise knowledge of where the suspension points would be, owing to the in-accessibility of the apex of the gable roof was a major factor in designing the frame and clips attached to the suspension ropes.

Using angle aluminium, 2.5 x 1.25 cm x 6mm thick a frame was made, bolted together with counter-sunk bolts, with four horizontals held together at each end and in the centre with verticals all measured to correspond with the design of the flag.

After washing in the big wash table it was conserved by strengthening and, in some places darning, the areas of mechanical damage.

Next a support was prepared from 100% polyester fabric, designed for curtaining to give a drop that could be cut to any length required, to avoid seams,. It was made to fit precisely to the measurements of the frame and exactly on the weave. Velcro was stitched to the fabric but stuck to the metal frame, again with great precision.

The flag and support were then joined under slight tension working in a vertical position. The missing section was made up with the same polyester fabric, coloured with fabric paints to give an indication of the original size.

It was then possible to remove the flag for transport separately from the frame, which was just as well as the day of installation was wet and windy.

The pulleys were installed prior to arrival of the frame and flag, which were re-combined once in the church. The ropes and clips were attached and adjusted to the right place as the frame was hauled up to the ceiling where it hung without visible means of support.

For more from this company visit www.landico.co.uk