Following the installation of a new organ, the floor at Pershore Abbey had been damaged. Although great care had been taken to protect the floor, the building works and the protection itself had left marks and scratches that needed to be removed. As a building steeped in history, a careful approach to the project was required.
The Abbey Church of the Holy Cross, Pershore has been a centre for Christian Worship for over 1300 years. The present Abbey celebrated its Millennium in 1972. Evidence of the Abbey’s thousand year history survives after fires, storms, earthquake and even the Dissolution of the Monasteries when much was demolished. Rebuilding, and remodelling have produced a mixture of Norman, Early English, Decorated Gothic and Victorian architecture.
After attending for an initial survey, a sample was carried out to ascertain the correct process required to bring the floor back to life. With the project Architect Robert Kilgour and Main Contractors Croft Building and Conservation all heavily involved it was crucial to ensure that a finish could be achieved that would do justice to the Church and the completed renovations.
The project was completed over a week with the team staying locally. Initially the Derbyshire limestone and blue Lias floor tiles were ground using diamond abrasives to remove lippage and surface damage. The stone was then refinished to tighten surface tension and remove scratch pattern. This was achieved using copper and resin hybrid bonded diamonds from 60-400 grit. Finally the floor was deep cleaned tiles and and an impregnating sealant was applied.
Athena Stonecare have looked after my limestone floor for a few years now. On their first visit they cleaned the tiles and the grout beautifully, and restored the polished shine of the tiles to what they originally looked like when they were first installed.
Recently I had a disaster where a decalcifying washing machine treatment leaked onto the floor and reacted with the limestone. Athena responded really quickly, and restored the tiles perfectly. I can not rate them highly for the quality of their work and their professionalism.
From start to finish, the Athena Stonecare team demonstrated true craftsmanship and professionalism. Amazing communication and a seamless execution with zero mess left behind. All the scratches and etch marks are gone, leaving the surface looking brand new.
A huge thank you to the Athena Stonecare team for the brilliant work and customer service. If you have natural stone that needs restoring or revitalising, I couldn't recommend them more highly.
What really impressed me is that Athena Stone gained absolutely nothing from helping me. I wasn’t a customer and they knew there was no job in it for them, yet they still took the time to look at the problem and give me genuinely useful advice.
After the experience I’d had trying to get help elsewhere, that level of customer service really stood out. They went above and beyond for someone who wasn’t even a paying customer, and their advice made a huge difference to us.
Amazingly high quality work and super responsive friendly customer service.
The work done by Dave and his team on our 30+ year old limestone flooring was outstanding. The stone was dirty and very cracked in places and I never dreamt they could make something so old look so good. The resin colour they used was an exact match and the cracks they filled are barely discernible now. The cleaned limestone looks wonderful and fresh. I can't believe what they achieved and couldn't be more thrilled.
Would you please thank Dave and his team - so much - for their outstanding work on our flooring? I can’t believe what they achieved and couldn’t be more thrilled. I never dreamt they could make something so old look so good!
