Applecross school given album marking completion of painting restoration work

7/7/94

Old paint generally is not given a second thought, but today Heritage Minister Richard Lewis presented Applecross Primary School staff and students with an album showing some very special old paintwork information.

Mr Lewis presented the album, which contains colour copies of paint schemes and paint scrapings of the headmaster's old cottage, at a ceremony to mark the completion of painting restoration work of the building.

"The work was carried out by the Building Management Authority," he said.

"The repainting of this lovely old heritage listed building is the result of the co-operative efforts of many people.

"Applecross Primary School was established in 1913 and the ongoing commitment of the school community and the P & C has preserved many of the old school buildings.

"However, in recent years the maintenance up keep of the old buildings has been difficult and the P&C approached me for assistance.

"I then approached Works Minister Graham Kierath and the BMA agreed to do the work as an apprentice training exercise.

"The P&C were particularly concerned about the deteriorated external condition of the headmaster's old cottage and I am pleased the BMA could use their unique heritage skills to help."

The BMA's conservation architect arranged for paint scrapes of the original painted surfaces to be taken and prepared three potential colour schemes for the building.

The P&C selected a colour scheme and four BMA apprentices and a qualified painter repainted the cottage using paint donated by Wattyl.

"The work was done during school holidays to minimise any potential harmful effects of the old lead-based paint," Mr Lewis said.

"The apprentices also did some minor repairs to the building as an introduction to cross-skilling."

Mr Lewis and Wattyl Paint presented the school with plaques to commemorate their involvement in the project.

Media contact:  Paul Plowman 222 9595 : Pager:  482 5692