Preserving History at Lumley Castle with Expert Fabric Fireproofing
- Adam Sawyer
- Feb 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 24
Over 630 years of heritage, protected with modern fire safety.
Fireproofing Ltd recently had the honour of treating the historic fabrics at Lumley Castle — a Grade I listed building in County Durham — with advanced fire retardant solutions. This majestic venue, now a luxury hotel with 73 individually designed rooms, required a bespoke approach that balanced elegance and safety.
Why Fireproofing Matters in Historic Hotels
When heritage properties welcome guests, they must meet modern fire safety standards while preserving original features. Our treatments ensure:
Compliance with BS 5867 Part 2 Type B (curtains and drapes)
Protection to BS 5852 (headboards and upholstered furniture)
Safety to BS EN 13501-1 Class C (wallcoverings and fabrics)
About Lumley Castle
Located near Newcastle, Durham, and Sunderland, Lumley Castle is a destination steeped in tradition. It offers guests the chance to sleep in four-poster beds, surrounded by antique furnishings and thick, historic drapery — all of which required careful fire retardant treatment without altering their character.
Our Mission: Fire Safety Without Compromise
This project required expert handling due to the historic nature of the fabrics. Our objectives were to:
Treat curtains, upholstered furniture, headboards, and wall fabrics across all guest rooms
Maintain colour, texture, and appearance
Comply fully with fire safety standards for commercial accommodation
Challenges and Our Tailored Approach
Each room is uniquely designed, requiring a bespoke plan. The biggest challenge?Blending modern safety with antique elegance.
Our process included:
Detailed on-site assessments of each room
Careful selection of treatment methods for different fabric types
Precision spraying to ensure fire protection without leaving visible residue or altering the aesthetic
🎯 Our methods preserved the authenticity of the interiors while making them safe for guests and compliant for the venue.
Project Highlights
Curtains: Treated to BS 5867 Part 2 Type B
Headboards & Upholstery: Protected to BS 5852
Wallcoverings: Fireproofed to BS EN 13501-1 Class C
The Result: Beauty Meets Fire Safety
Guests now enjoy the luxury and character of Lumley Castle with full peace of mind.The hotel’s interiors retain their rich historical charm — now fully compliant with fire regulations for hospitality.
Looking Ahead: Protecting Heritage Across the UK
Lumley Castle is one of many historic and luxury venues we've helped. Our work proves that modern fire protection can be seamlessly integrated into sensitive historic settings.
Need Fabric Fireproofing for a Historic Property?
We work with heritage venues, luxury hotels, and listed buildings across the UK.
📞 Call us on: 07970 522475
📧 Email: adam@fire-proofing.co.uk
About the Author: Adam Sawyer
Adam is an industry expert with over 35 years of experience in textile care and fire retardant treatments. He is the founder of Fireproofing, a company specializing in fire retardant spraying and application services for curtains, fabrics, upholstery, wood, and more. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and safety, Adam has built lasting relationships with clients and established a reputation for excellence in the field. To learn more about Adam and Fireproofing, visit the About Us & Our Expert page on our website.
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