Conservation Main Contractor
We undertake the conservation and repair of historic stone structures as both main contractor and specialist subcontractor, delivering projects throughout the UK. Working alongside architects, engineers, conservation bodies and trusted specialists including joiners, lead workers, glaziers, metalworkers, archaeologists and environmental consultants, we provide a coordinated approach to complex conservation projects. Every project is guided by a clear conservation ethic, applying SPAB principles to ensure that repairs are carefully considered, compatible with the historic fabric, and appropriate to the significance of each building.
Masonry
Stonemasonry lies at the heart of our workshop, and these traditional skills are passed on to our apprentices through practical, hands-on training using the same methods that have shaped the craft for centuries. Our in-house team of skilled masons has extensive experience in the setting out, hand working and building of complex architectural masonry, including tracery windows, vaulting, staircases and other geometrically demanding stone structures. Working from drawings, templates or surviving fabric, we combine traditional craftsmanship with a thorough understanding of historic construction techniques, always preserving the historic fabric as much as possible.
Stone Carving
We undertake hand-carved stonework for ecclesiastical, civic and private commissions, creating both original work and historically informed replicas in the style of all periods. From architectural ornament and sculpture to the replacement of weathered or missing details, every commission is researched, designed and carved by hand with careful attention to craftsmanship, proportion and architectural context.
Monument Conservation
We undertake the conservation of historic monuments, with particular experience in ecclesiastical settings, where an understanding of significance, condition and context is essential. Our approach follows a clear conservation ethic of minimal intervention. Repairs are carefully considered, often involving the removal of inappropriate earlier repairs that have accelerated decay, before using compatible materials and traditional techniques to ensure the long-term stability and preservation of the monument.
Wood Carving
We undertake commissions in fine architectural woodcarving, decorative detail, sculpture and one-off bespoke pieces, working across all stylistic periods and in a wide range of timbers. We have a particular interest in the work of Grinling Gibbons and the English tradition of architectural woodcarving. Whether conserving historic carved timber or creating original work, every commission is researched, designed and carved by hand with careful attention to craftsmanship, proportion and the character of the material.
Letter Cutting
We work closely with our clients to develop lettering designs that reflect their individual requirements and the character of the commission. From the first pencil sketches through to the finished inscription, every stage is carried out by hand using traditional methods and tools. We undertake all forms of letter cutting, although much of our work is for headstones and memorials, where thoughtful design, careful spacing and finely executed lettering are fundamental to creating lasting and dignified memorials.
Lime Repairs
We use lime-based materials throughout our conservation work, giving us extensive practical experience in the specification, preparation and application of lime mortars, shelter coats, hot-mixed limes and nanolime treatments. Alongside our practical work, we provide consultancy and deliver demonstrations exploring the principles and application of traditional lime technology, including lime mortars, renders, plasters, shelter coats and hot-mixed limes. Drawing on live conservation projects, these sessions combine technical knowledge with practical experience.
Complex Setting Out
Setting out is the foundation of complex masonry conservation. It involves recording and interpreting the geometry of existing stonework, allowing individual stones and their relationship to the wider structure to be fully understood before any repair or replacement takes place. Our 1:1 setting out is carried out by hand on a traditional drawing floor, from which accurate full-size drawings and templates are produced for each stone. This process allows complex masonry to be dismantled, repaired and rebuilt with precision, ensuring that new work integrates seamlessly with the historic fabric.
Drawing and Clay Modelling
Drawing and clay modelling form an important part of our workshop practice. We produce clay models for the replication of missing decorative elements, providing patterns for casting architectural plaster work such as ceiling roses, cornices and other ornamental details. It is also an integral part of our design process for architectural carving. Stone and woodcarving commissions begin with preparatory drawings, which are developed into a three-dimensional clay model. This allows forms, proportions and details to be explored and refined before carving begins, providing an opportunity to resolve technical challenges and present the design to the client for approval.
Thermatec Cleaning
We use Thermatech cleaning as part of our conservation work where a controlled, low-impact method of cleaning historic masonry is appropriate. The system uses high-temperature steam to remove biological growth, dirt, surface deposits and some coatings without the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning. Each application is assessed according to the material, condition and significance of the surface, with pressure, temperature and working distance carefully controlled to achieve effective cleaning while protecting the historic fabric.
