New Investigation Reveals Extent of Damage to Mackintosh House

Thermographic imaging revealed the severity of the water damage caused by a reputed Charles Rennie Mackintosh property.

The survey, conducted in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, owner of The Hill House in Helensburgh and the maintenance of it, and Historic Environment Scotland, shows the extent of damage caused by rain and water at building.

Infrared Thermographic Imaging (IRT) records differences in surface temperature, giving an indication of moisture retention resulting from decades of rainy weather in the building.

A previous survey was conducted in 2003 on the site and these new images were combined with a new 3D digital survey and microwave moisture readings.

The three surveys allow conservators to locate wetlands and better understand the degradation of the state of the property.

Results of an infrared thermographic survey showing the severity of water damage caused inside the iconic property of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Hill House (National Trust / PA)

Since its completion in 1904, years of wind and rain have caused significant problems of water infiltration.

The conservation authority is wrapping the building with a lattice structure to protect it from the elements.

Richard Williams, managing director of Glasgow and West at the National Trust for Scotland, said: "By combining infrared thermographic surveying, 3D scanning and microwave readings, we have a very powerful tool for us. help to understand the complex issues at The Hill House, and a robust baseline before encircling the building with its protective shield.

"We also have other areas of concern, such as large parts of harling that have come off walls where moisture is accumulating, and interior walls that we did not have. understood at the time.

"We also saw the direction in which water circulated in some rooms, particularly in the exhibition hall, where the damage was already evident."

Ewan Hyslop, head of technical research and science at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: "We are very pleased to offer our skills and expertise to support the National Trust for Scotland in this important project.

"Hill House is a masterpiece of Mackintosh and this project is a perfect example of the use of innovative technologies to better understand the risks to historic sites such as this one and guide the work toward conservation." and their protection. "

The house and gardens are currently closed to the public but are expected to reopen in late spring this year.

You can make an online donation to the call to build the shield around the house at the following address: https://www.nts.org.uk/Campaign/Help-us-save-the-Hill-House .