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Mulholland Restoration &
Decorating is privileged to
have been given the opportunity
to revitalise more than 35 major
church interiors and other key
public buildings. We bring our
experience, skills and knowledge
to each new project.
CHURCH RESTORATION
& DECORATING
Mulholland Restoration & Decorating | email: [email protected] | www.mulholland.com.au
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Saint Fr ancis’ Cat holic Church
Churches
Sacred Heart Church, St. Kilda •
St. Joseph’s Church, Collingwood•
Corpus Christi Chapel, Carlton•
St. Margaret Mary’s Church, East Brunswick •
St. Mary’s Church, Williamstown•
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Middle Park•
St. Bernard’s Church, Coburg •
Holy Trinity Church, Coburg•
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Camberwell•
St. Michael’s Church, Ashburton•
All Saints’ Church, East St. Kilda•
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne•
St. Peter and Paul’s Church, South Melbourne•
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat •
St. Francis’ Church, Melbourne •
St. Brigid’s Church, Gisborne •
Hawthorn Presbyterian Church•
Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Kyneton•
St. Alipius’ Church, Ballarat •
Ukrainian Cathedral, North Melbourne•
Loyola Chapel, Greensborough•
Project Lis t |25
K e y Projects
Other Projects
Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton•
National Trust Works•
Communication Room, Eastern Hill Fire Station•
Board Room, Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne•
Regent Theatre, Melbourne•
Various Government Building Works•
•
Many of our projects have won major
Architectural Awards.
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All Saints’ Anglican Church, Eas t St Kilda
Saint Mary of t he Angels Cat holic Basil ica, Geelong
Saint Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church, South Melbourne
Saint Patrick’s Cat hedr al, Melbourne
Saint Fr ancis’ Cat holic Church, Melbourne
Sacred Hear t Cat holic Church, St Kilda
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Middle Park
Surface Res tor ation – Fibreglass Membr ane
About Mulholland Restor ation & Decor ating
Project list
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25| 01•
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In 2009 under the leadership of Father
Ramsay Williams Mulholland Restoration
& Decorating began the challenge of
restoring the interior of the church.
Significant water entry had discoloured
the limestone arches and columns and had
caused paint failure over many sections.
All Saints’ Anglican Church Eas t St Kilda
carved wood detail
02 | All Saints’ Anglican Church
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All Saints’ Anglican Church | 03
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One aspect of the works that had to be rectified was an apparent dislocation of the body of the
church from the chancel and the sanctuary. This separation was caused by an inappropriate colour
scheme and the use of a strong element of screen and ‘fence’. By way of an introduced dado and
stencil to act as a link band around the church, we achieved the reconnection we were seeking.
In addition, we introduced some appropriate stencilling to the Lady Chapel. This chapel had not
been decorated previously and was lacking any dignified treatment which made it look very much
like an afterthought.
The results were very successful. The interior is now in great harmony and looks completely
appropriate with a balance of traditional treatments and the freshness and cared-for look that
painting, new carpet, floor polishing and new lighting contributes.
Sanctuary04 | All Saints’ Anglican Church
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The exterior of the church is rich
Gothic in style and presents
a wonderful church in its
surroundings. Mulholland Restoration
& Decorating assisted with the repainting
of the church in 2001.
Sa int Mary of t he Angels Cat holic Basil ica
Geelong
Saint Mary of the Angels Catholic Basilica | 05Sanctuary
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Almost every skill in painting and decorating has been employed to
achieve this impressive outcome.
The interior of the church was previously ordinary and uninviting in
appearance. The paint scheme and colour was a grey/off-white flat
finish paint which had a negative effect on the interior.
There were some difficulties to deal with to achieve a substantial
improvement in the appearance, namely an overpowering and
strident orange marble the full width of the church in the altar rail,
sanctuary floor, large former altar, and five ambulatory chapels.
In addition, numerous bluestone and limestone cluster
columns, which were supporting arches in the nave to aisle
line, created an appearance of ‘striped pyjamas’ as described
by Father Kevin Dillon.
The interior rises to 17 metres in the crossing gable ends making
the church voluminous in size.
Our proposal was to create a warm sandstone colour which would
pick up the pew colour and add a dado colour, giving optical weight
and balance to the church. The colour had to have adequate
strength to counter the strength of the marble.
In addition, we proposed the reinstatement of the natural
appearance of individual elements that had been previously painted
over. So much minor detail had been ‘lost’ by this approach.
The outcome of the works has been very well received. Much effort
was put into resolving the particular challenges, and the painting
system employed has given the interior a level of finish whose light
reflecting influences create a comfortable appearance.
06 | Saint Mary of t he Angels Cat holic Basil ica
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The architectural elements that play a role in detailing the church
style were all identified and some license was taken to introduce
painted finishes to underscore previously unnoticed elements.
For example, we painted large concrete columns in sandstone
materials and banded them to create columns with appropriate
appearance; arches that had no structural style were given some
for a visual result.
We recommended and applied a more dignified treatment for the
ambulatory chapels. We presented a stencil and colour for each
chapel designed to support the individual needs. Each chapel now
looks specifically designed and detailed for veneration.
The Stations of the Cross were conserved and the frames, which
were in a very sad state, have been reconstructed, refinished and
reworded in gold leaf.
The works were designed to avoid interrupting the normal daily
function of the church despite the requirement for scissors lifts,
very large boom lifts and multiple tower scaffolds to all be in action
at the same time. The works proceeded in sections to allow each
area to be completed, along with rewiring and new lighting.
The altars, tables, organ and pews were covered with protective
cloths, cleaned and repositioned for weekend services; when
needed additional plastic seating was also made available.
Saint Mary of the Angels Catholic Basilica | 07
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This large volume blue-stone church
was built in the 1870s. Mulholland
Restoration & Decorating was engaged
to assist with the repairs and re-painting of the
interior of the church in 1999–2000.
Saint Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church South Melbourne
gold leaf lettering detail
08 | Saint Pe t er and Paul’s Cat holic Church
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Under the direction of Falkinger Andronas Conservation
Architecture and with the assistance of Father Bob McGuire,
Parish Priest, a plan was agreed to ‘bring some life back into
the interior’.
The roof timbers had lost any degree of finish and appeared very
tired, the walls had suffered from many and various water entry
points creating significant peeling paint sections. Spider webs had
taken hold throughout the church.
The church had been renewed in 1970 in-line with a general
reordering of churches at this time and to complete these works
the interior had been painted white. It was proposed that the
white represented a cleansing and rebirth. Over the years the stark
white paint deteriorated and looked dirty; it offered little feeling
or message of invitation.
Our plan was to apply supportive colour to appropriate areas
throughout the church to reinforce the architecture that had been
negated by the previous white painting.
All surfaces were washed and cleaned of all superficial
contamination, repairs to roof timbers and plaster repairs to walls
were carried out. A re-introduction of a paint colour scheme suited
to the style of the church defined the character of the church.
Elements representing vaulted stone ceilings were re-enforced by
decorative techniques, the three main ceilings were re-varnished,
the pilaster columns replicating marble were treated as marble to
enforce style and the walls were treated with a traditional colour
that was supported with a dado of a suitably ‘weighted‘ colour to
balance the interior.
Saint Pe t er and Paul’s Cat holic Church | 09
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gilded frame decoration
The Stations of the Cross were represented with new lettering and
script in outlined gold leaf.
The floor of the church had suffered over the years and was in need
of some work. This was stripped of the remnant coatings and washed
clean prior to the floor being hand sanded to retain the ‘history’ and
then stained and varnished.
This treatment presented the interior of the church in a renewed
and invigorated way. The white blandness was replaced by colours
selected for their suitability to ecclesiastic decor. The results have
been well received.
The works did not interrupt the normal daily function of the church
despite the use of large scaffold systems and the large amounts of
dust created. The altars, tables, organ and pews were covered with
protective cloths, cleaned and repositioned for weekend services.
10 | Saint Pe t er and Paul’s Cat holic Church
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In 1995, Mulholland Restoration
& Decorating commenced
the conservation cleaning
and restoration works to the
sanctuary and cheviot chapels
accessed by the ambulatory in St.
Patrick’s Cathedral.
Sa int Patrick’s Cat holic Cat hedr al Melbourne
Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral | 11
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The chapels and sanctuary are decorated with a collection of
stencils significant in style and colour, and are regarded as being
among the richest in Victoria.
The original works were carried out in 1901. Evidently no works
had been undertaken in these chapels since, beyond the most
rudimentary spot repairs.
The stencils were cleaned and all damaged and lost paintwork
was restored to its former glory. Some significant water entry
problems around the base of walls and around windows had
caused extensive areas of minor damage. This damage was
repaired and the walls restored to their original condition.
The technical difficulty of matching 100 year old paint and colour
was mastered and the results allow the chapels to look at their
best with no visible signs of intervention. This was a great result
which took five months to achieve.
12 | Saint Patrick’s Cat holic Cat hedr al
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Subsequently, we were asked by Falkinger Andronas,
Conservation Architects to consider a painting procedure for
the interior of the cathedral.
With assistance from Monsignor William McCarthy, a bespoke
colour and an application technique was developed.
The previous paint colour was a dull olive grey—possibly suited to
‘bluestone’ Melbourne however the colour on a grey day had no
soul and did very little for the interior, other than create a cold and
institutional atmosphere.
The interior architecture of the cathedral had been disguised by
this treatment and our brief was to reflect some of the original
architect William Wardell’s concepts into the colour, thereby
acknowledging the beauty of the interior design.
In developing the painting concept, consideration was given to
the amber coloured windows in the side aisles and the stunning
‘rose window’.
The substantial optical weight and heaviness of the cathedral that
had dominated the interior previously was alleviated by the use of a
beautiful and warm stone colour. Glazing added depth to the colour
without darkening the effect.
In contrasting colour against timber and bluestone, we allowed
a clear reading of the design and articulated each architectural
element. The innovative paintwork has contributed to a beautiful
and inviting interior.
The finished result has been extremely well received and a key factor
in the church winning an award for Conservation Architecture.
Saint Patrick’s Cat holic Cat hedr al | 13
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Requested by Falkinger Andronas
Conservation Architects to
undertake the interior restoration
of one of Australia’s busiest churches,
our job was to restore the important 1842
cedar ceiling and to repaint the interior.
The church holds a significant place in the centre of Melbourne
and is a spiritual refuge for many from the hustle of the city life.
Our job was to restore the important 1842 cedar ceiling and to
repaint the interior appropriately.
Mulholland Restoration & Decorating embarked on one of the
most challenging jobs the company has undertaken.
The historically important church is also Australia’s busiest church.
With six masses every day, and prayer and reflection time between
masses, we were able to work with the requirements of the
community to achieve a very satisfactory outcome.
Saint Fr ancis’ Cat holic Church Melbourne
We screened off a work area and quietly went about removing the
multiple layers of accumulated surface coatings and contaminants.
This was a difficult and dirty task, however, we persevered and
succeeded in achieving a wonderful outcome.
The use of candles had resulted in the sanctuary ceiling becoming
so black it was not possible to see the 1870s painted decoration
beneath. A very careful system of over-paint removal was
developed to achieve the required outcome.
Once the ceiling was a clean and dry timber surface, we applied
shellac to reinstate the original treatment and appearance. The
results are a clean, warm and beautiful timber ceiling.
Now the beauty of the decoration is revealed and is a feature of
this surprising ceiling.
The rest of the church painting proceeded at a pace that suited the
constant relocating of the community and the priests.
14 | Saint Fr ancis’ Cat holic Church
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Saint Fr ancis’ Cat holic Church | 15
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The Ladye Chapel, located within the church is a most beautiful
and sacred place. In 2000 Mulholland Restoration & Decorating
was commissioned by the community of the Blessed Sacrament
Fathers to restore the chapel paint work.
Starting from its original highly decorated scheme, the chapel had
undergone a number of changes and abbreviations since it opened
in 1858. Over-varnishing and water entry had also had a deleterious
effect, and the interior was quite smoke stained.
A decision was made to restore the chapel to its full original painted
design. Works proceeded to remove all extraneous matter and
coatings to regain the ‘lost design’. The walls were consolidated
and the repainting works advanced.
The finished chapel is now both dignified and breathtaking, and
it has been one our greatest privileges to have been a part of
the restoration.
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On entering this remarkable church
the unusual soft colour palette
offers a peaceful temple in the
midst of a busy bustling city.
Reproduced with minor change using light fast colours (no fading),
the interior reflects a European style of lavish decoration.
By 1988 the interior of Sacred Heart Church had come to a point
where substantial works and funding were required to restore
the beauty of the building and to preserve the condition from
further deterioration.
The slate roof had many water entry points through maintenance
issues and the consequence of this was evident from the
deteriorating plaster and peeling paint around the building.
Sacred Hear t Cat holic ChurchSt Kilda
When it rained water would flow onto the sanctuary floor and if it
was heavy rain it would flow down the length of the building and
out the front doors.
Father Ernie Smith energised the community and formed a
committee that took on the job of raising enough funds to restore
the church.
Mulholland Restoration & Decorating began work in 1988 with
exterior preparation of all rendered cement works including the
church tower and slate roof repairs.
All effort was put into securing and improving the existing
conditions. All water leaks were addressed, windows secured,
and water seepage through render parapets and deteriorating
windows and doors was treated with the most suited and varied
modern and technically superior treatments available.
Sacred Hear t Cat holic Church | 17
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18 | Sacred Hear t Cat holic Church
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On the completion of the exterior works, a start was made on
the interior.
A large barrel vaulted plaster interior with clerestory windows,
separate sanctuary and side aisles, remodelled in the 1920s and
decorated in the 1940s with a significant stencil scheme, added to
the unique style of this church in Australia.
The interior had been subjected to extensive plaster ‘shatter’ and
drummy sections had been caused by ageing plaster and traffic
vibrations.
The extensive water entry had also affected the plaster condition.
A decision was made to carry out a fibreglass application
to consolidate the existing condition and to add a surface
strengthening to stabilise the plaster.
This technique avoided the removal and replacement of substantial
areas of plaster and has avoided the recurrence of cracking.
It was necessary to create a stable surface on which the elaborate
design and stencilling could be painted, otherwise the plaster
cracking would compromise the whole undertaking. An extensive
application of fibreglass membrane was undertaken to consolidate
the prepared plaster ceiling and walls.
This major restoration of the church incorporated a technically
superior preparation and base system to achieve a cost efficient
and remarkably durable outcome. The works are now over twenty
years since completion and remain in excellent condition.
Sacred Hear t Cat holic Church | 19
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Built in the 1920s, this red brick
church was in need of repair
and restoration to stop water
entering through the domes and cracked
cement dressings.
Colour detailing and scumble treatment created a beautiful
contrast to the light and welcoming warm cream colour.
This red brick with cement dressings church was in need of
substantial repair and restoration to stop water entry through the
domes and cracked cement dressings. The exposure of the render
to the elements was showing the toll of time.
Our remedial procedure incorporated high-pressure removal of
debris and cleaning of loose aggregate, prior to the consolidation
of the base surface using a cohesive fibreglass and elastomeric
membrane coating. We have been using this system for more
than 40 years with outstanding results.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
Middle Park
20 | Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
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Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church | 21
The interior is a large sized single space church with decorative
fibrous plaster elements. Our plan with the interior was to embellish
the decorated plaster sections and treat all other surfaces in a
restrained manner, reflecting the size and simplicity of the design.
Wide scale plaster cracking required treatment to consolidate
the plaster surface. This was carried out to prevent any further
loosening, which would have resulted in significant re-plastering
being required at a large cost.
The system of consolidation consists of thorough surface
preparation and repair prior to the application of specifically
designed adhesive paints, into which fibreglass membrane is laid
and subsequently sandwiched with more adhesive. By using a
specific paint adhesive, the material is able to be coloured and give
a film build that buries the membrane to a degree that it cannot be
detected. We have used this system of repair for plaster for many
years with great success.
The pews were also in need of restoration, the marble needed
to be cleaned and the artwork preserved to bring this work to
conclusion. Even the church hall was included in the project.
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22 | Surface Res tor ation
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Our Unique Fibreglass Membrane
Cement dressings and rendered surfaces on the exterior of
buildings will show signs of deterioration after 70 or more years.
Mulholland Restoration & Decorating offers a unique solution to
this problem that not only saves on costly repairs to rendered and
other surfaces but also offers a more effective and durable long
term option.
The fibreglass membrane is essentially a bandage applied to a
surface to give strength and stability. It also provides a waterproof
and protective coating that can be matched to a render finish, or
any desired texture including smooth. The flexibility and durability
of the coating preserves the surface to which it is applied.
This fibreglass membrane can be applied to almost any
substrate, including both interior and exterior applications, using
elasteromeric adhesives that can be coloured to suit. It can also be
applied to shaped surfaces.
Using the membrane as a plaster repair agent that imparts a surface
cohesion, it preserves an aged plaster by allowing minor movement
of the substrate without fracture of the fibreglass membrane.
Standard membrane coatings alone will often perforate over
cracks, and most are non-breathable.
Our fibreglass membrane, specially developed for our purposes,
has been refined to suit restoration needs and the product is
invisible. We have applied this product over entire buildings both
internally and externally. This process meets the requirements of
many of the restoration challenges including durability, difficult
access and minimising cost.
Recent inspection of one project carried out 24 years ago showed
the surfaces to be in very good condition half way through its
projected durability.
We believe our proprietary fibreglass membrane, combined with
the adhesive product, is of significant importance in preserving
aged surfaces and creating results of prolonged duration.
Mulholland Restoration & Decorating has been using this product
with great results since 1970.
Surface Res tor ation | 23
Surface Res tor ation
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Mulholland Res tor ation &
Decorating is a well established
family company of painters and
decorators. We bring over 60 years of
experience, skills and knowledge to each
new project.
Along with a diverse range of traditional trade skills, the company
works with up-to-date materials and concepts to deliver the most
decorative, protective and durable results.
The many skills, knowledge, and experience of the company is
unmatched by any other painting company in Victoria. Ongoing
study projects, overseas study programs, and site specific study
has allowed the company to continue to offer a surprisingly diverse
range of skills and abilities, including:
Restoration and conservation of painted surfaces•
Decorative styles and techniques from Egyptian to Eclectic, •
Victorian, Aesthetic & Art Deco
Heritage painting techniques and Art Wall paper hanging•
Trompe l’oeil•
Historically accurate sign writing•
Special paint manufacturing requirements, colour matching •
and formulae production
High quality hand cut stencils•
Investigative work•
French polishing•
Fibreglass membrane•
Each of our restoration projects presents a unique set of
requirements and challenges that have required us to research
and deliver appropriate and effective solutions. We recognise
the need for fully integrated services and have the skills and
experience to deliver.
With over 60 years of experience our knowledge and expertise
is unrivalled. With our unique blend of highly skilled craftsmen,
combined with our extensive range of both modern and traditional
materials and techniques, we can revitalise and transform any
beautiful building and reinstate original finishes.
Memberships & registrationsRegistered member Master Painters Australia•
Registered Building Practitioner Certificate •
Member of the Artisans’ Guild of Australia•
Registered with the Historic Building Council, Victoria•
Scaffolding licence•
Lead paint abatement certificates•
Mulholland Restoration & Decorating applies Quality Program
AS9002 to our work.
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Saint Fr ancis’ Cat holic Church
Churches
Sacred Heart Church, St. Kilda •
St. Joseph’s Church, Collingwood•
Corpus Christi Chapel, Carlton•
St. Margaret Mary’s Church, East Brunswick •
St. Mary’s Church, Williamstown•
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Middle Park•
St. Bernard’s Church, Coburg •
Holy Trinity Church, Coburg•
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Camberwell•
St. Michael’s Church, Ashburton•
All Saints’ Church, East St. Kilda•
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne•
St. Peter and Paul’s Church, South Melbourne•
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat •
St. Francis’ Church, Melbourne •
St. Brigid’s Church, Gisborne •
Hawthorn Presbyterian Church•
Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Kyneton•
St. Alipius’ Church, Ballarat •
Ukrainian Cathedral, North Melbourne•
Loyola Chapel, Greensborough•
Project Lis t |25
K e y Projects
Other Projects
Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton•
National Trust Works•
Communication Room, Eastern Hill Fire Station•
Board Room, Manchester Unity Building, Melbourne•
Regent Theatre, Melbourne•
Various Government Building Works•
•
Many of our projects have won major
Architectural Awards.
Page 28
Mulholland Restoration &
Decorating is privileged to
have been given the opportunity
to revitalise more than 35 major
church interiors and other key
public buildings. We bring our
experience, skills and knowledge
to each new project.
CHURCH RESTORATION
& DECORATING
Mulholland Restoration & Decorating | email: [email protected] | www.mulholland.com.au