Conservation principles
Conservation Research
Every repair starts from original tooling, materials, and historical evidence. Methods are chosen to be reversible, so later generations can read what was done and undo it if better knowledge emerges.
Stone and timber
Gothic tracery and Ockwells Manor
Stonework
Gothic tracery carving and repair
Damaged tracery is recorded, then carved and repaired by hand with period tooling. Replacement stone is matched to the original bed and profile so the mullions read as one structure.
Timber
Timber house restoration at Ockwells Manor
Historic timber frames are surveyed joint by joint. Decayed members are repaired with traditional scarf joints, leaving sound original wood in place wherever it can be kept.
Glass and objects
Stained glass and furniture care
Each object is stabilised and cleaned with reversible methods, keeping original glass and finish wherever possible.
Glass
Lead stabilisation
Bowed and loose lead came are reinforced and resoldered where needed, so the panel holds its own weight without losing its original leading.
Glass
Gentle glass cleaning
Surface deposits are lifted with mild, tested solutions and soft brushes, leaving the painted and antique glass surfaces intact.
Furniture
Historic furniture repair
Joints are reglued with hide glue and missing sections are shaped from matching timber, so repairs can be reversed later.
Documentary views
Stone joints, carving, and lead cames
Close views record the condition before and after each intervention.
