The artistic skills of the leadworker have typically found expression on rainwater heads, downpipes, water cisterns and roof embellishments, as well as statuary. Employed on numerous ecclesiastical and important secular buildings, decorative leadwork reached its apogee from late medieval times up to the end of the 18th century. Despite the fine craftsmanship, much of Britain’s historic leadwork has been lost or is threatened. Not only is there a lack of appreciation of decorative leadwork and its conservation, even non-ornamental plumbing leadwork skills are now scarce.

Frequently. We have become accustomed to the attractive silvery grey finish of architectural leadwork. Historically, whole roofs, girouttes, flèches, ogee domes, lanterns, pennons and spires offered dazzling displays of chequer-work and chevrons. Rainwater heads and cisterns, too, were treated colourfully. Surface decoration was achieved by gilding, tinning, painting and, sometimes, through artificial patination, mastic inlays or etching.

Lead is the perfect material to repair. It is possible to cut out a damaged section and insert a matching new piece (sand-cast or milled, as appropriate) to produce an invisible joint. Soldering and solder wiping are often used here and for making good small splits and pin-holes in decorative work. Where a rainwater head is in very poor condition, a new lead reservoir can be made and placed inside, with suitable reinforcement. Occasionally, a case exists for re-shaping distorted leadwork, such as when a piece no longer functions as intended (obstructing water flow etc). Work may also entail casting new parts or replacement of corroded wrought iron armatures with stainless steel.

Gilding, painting and other forms of surface decoration might be considered where it is known to have existed originally and would be to the benefit of the architectural whole. Lead-based paints were used historically but legislation now restricts the sale of these for use to Grade I and II* buildings, scheduled ancient monuments and also works of art, which some decorative architectural leadwork objects might be classed as. Listed building or scheduled monument consent may be required before reinstating decoration.