Research embedded within restorative ceramic tile company Craven Dunnill Jackfield, by the Centre for Print Research (CFPR) via a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, has helped to restore a beloved British pub.
Back in 2001, a historic pub in the heart of the community in Wolverhampton was destroyed by developers before the pub could be listed as a heritage site.
Despite the people of Wolverhampton being keen to resurrect their treasured pub, little was left of the original. However, the remnants were recovered and stored in a museum, where experts at Craven Dunnill Jackfield would later 3D scan them to help restore the pub to its full glory.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) scheme is a UK-wide programme helping businesses to improve competitiveness and productivity. A recent graduate is placed within an organisation to help solve a business problem, with access to academic expertise.
Craven Dunnill Jackfield undertook a KTP with UWE Bristol’s Centre for Print Research in 2021, which aimed to apply 3D technologies, specifically 3D scanning, to modernise the ceramic restoration process. The KTP was incredibly successful and opened up new revenue streams for Craven Dunnill Jackfield. The company saw a vast improvement in product development time from 2 weeks of model making, down to 4 days. Furthermore, reduced development costs on specific projects by up to 79%.
Associate Professor and academic lead on the project, David Huson commented:
“The Craven Dunnill Jackfield, CFPR/UWE KTP project shows that a committed Company and Academic team combined with an excellent, dedicated Associate can overcome the difficulties and adversities of operating during a pandemic to drive through to success. The project has been very successful and has exceeded the expectations of both partners.“
Craven Dunnill Jackfield used the knowledge learned through the KTP to help restore the pub to its former self.
Jed Leonard-Hammerman, 3D Technologies Specialist Craven Dunnill Jackfield commented:
“This project is a perfect example of how 3D technology can enhance traditional processes without replacing them. It validated the processes developed during the KTP and will be used as a framework for future restoration projects at Craven Dunnill Jackfield.”
Tasked with recreating the original pub’s decor using period photos as a guide, Craven Dunnill Jackfield were able to scan the remnants and use photos to help with the restoration.
Find out more about the details of the pub restoration https://www.artec3d.com/cases/craven-dunnill-pub-restoration
