St John’s Priory is an exceptional Grade I listed building the oldest part of which comprises the former 13th century chapel of the Commandery of the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem.
The rest of the house encompasses extensions built between the 15th and 19th centuries.
The 13th century Priory was converted into accommodation in the 17th century and the ground floor became a high status, highly decorated drawing room.
The drawing room ceiling is the most exceptional feature. Originally thought to be plaster the ceiling is actually a rare Papier-mâché ceiling.
The project, which took around 10 months, included a number of elements, including:
- The complete replacement of the plastered walls within the room which had all been previously replaced in cement and causing significant damp. This was replaced with an insulating lime plaster.
- The reinstatement of skirting to match the ornate ceiling, restoration of the timber floor and repairs to the fine Georgian doors.
- The restoration and redecoration of the Papier-mâché ceiling.
The project was specified and managed by Manorwood who also researched the building and provided heritage advice.
The works were undertaken by Chris Vernon of Bespoak Projects, David Ayre of Sussex Lime Plastering and Kyle Edwards and others from South Downs Decorators who were responsible, among other things, for the restoration of the Papier-mâché ceiling.
