External Putty Glazing to Historic Woolworths Building – Kingston Old Market
External Putty Glazing Repairs – Kingston Old Market
Traditional Window Glazing to a Historic Town-Centre Building Near the River
This project involved external putty glazing repairs to the former Woolworths building located in the Old Market area of Kingston upon Thames, close to the river and within a busy pedestrian zone.
The works were carried out by Hamilton Glass Products Ltd, using traditional glazing methods appropriate for an older commercial building, while managing access, height, and public safety in a live town-centre environment.
Project Overview
The scope of works included:
External removal of failed and broken glass
Traditional putty glazing to existing timber frames
Replacement of patterned / obscure glass
High-level access using scissor lift equipment
Full pedestrian management in a public realm setting
The objective was to restore the original appearance of the windows while ensuring they were safe, weather-tight, and fit for continued use.
Traditional Putty Glazing Method
For older buildings such as this, putty glazing remains the correct and most sympathetic approach. Modern beads or sealants can alter the appearance of historic façades and are often unsuitable for traditional timber frames.
The process involved:
Careful removal of loose or failed putty
Preparation and cleaning of existing rebates
Correct bedding of the glass
Neat finishing of external putty lines
This method allows the timber frames to move naturally, provides long-term weather protection, and maintains the original visual character of the building.
Glass Replacement & Matching
Where glass panes were broken or beyond repair, patterned / obscure glass was supplied and installed to closely match the existing appearance. This ensured:
Visual consistency across the elevation
Maintained privacy behind upper-floor windows
Compliance with modern safety expectations
Matching older glass types is a key detail on heritage and town-centre buildings and was treated as an essential part of the work.
High-Level Access & Safety
Many of the affected windows were located at upper-floor level, requiring safe and controlled access. A scissor lift was used to provide stable vertical access while keeping a compact footprint within the Old Market pedestrian zone.
Safety measures included:
Clearly defined exclusion zones
Temporary barriers and signage
Coordination between operatives on the lift and ground staff
Continuous monitoring of pedestrian movement
This allowed the works to proceed efficiently without disrupting nearby shops or public access.
Working in a Live Public Environment
The Old Market area is a busy part of Kingston, with constant foot traffic throughout the day. Carrying out external glazing works here requires experience not just with glass, but with public-realm logistics.
Our team regularly undertakes glazing works in:
Town centres and high streets
Pedestrianised zones
Live commercial environments
Careful planning and clear communication ensured the works were completed safely and without incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still carry out traditional putty glazing?
Yes. We regularly undertake putty glazing repairs where it is the correct method for the building.
Can you work on historic or older commercial buildings?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience with traditional frames and heritage-style façades.
Do you handle high-level external glazing?
Yes. We carry out glazing at height using appropriate access equipment and trained operatives.
Can you work safely in busy pedestrian areas?
Yes. Public safety and site control are integral to our town-centre projects.
Finished Result
The completed works restored the windows to a safe, weather-tight condition while preserving the building’s original character. The new putty lines sit cleanly within the frames, and the replacement glass blends seamlessly with the existing façade.
This project is a good example of how traditional glazing methods, when carried out properly, remain the best solution for historic commercial buildings in busy urban environments.