Conservation

T J Ferris Stonemasonry offer our services to Conservation Architects, Trusts & Bodies and a range of private clients looking to preserve and protect historic buildings. With a wide range of in-house skills and a select group of specialist suppliers providing everything from initial specialist Consultancy services through to the complete delivery of complex Conservation and Restoration projects.

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Advisory works and Consultancy

Emergency on-site response following collapse/fire/flood etc

Hands on specialist conservation and restoration works

Undertaking works as both main contractor and specialist sub-contractor

Preventative Conservation

Preventative conservation is the introduction of non-interventional measures and actions aimed at avoiding and minimising future deterioration or loss. These measures and actions are indirect – they do not interfere with the materials and structures of the items and do not affect or change their appearance. A preventative conservation approach can often relate to the management of the immediate environment (light, humidity, pollution and pest control), but can include education of staff on care and maintenance as well as public awareness.

Preventative Works

Often the key to preventive works is managing the impact of environmental factors, including the removal of moss and algae’s – which may harbour moisture and exacerbate decay.

Remedial Conservation

Remedial Conservation relates to all actions directly applied to a building aimed at stopping or slowing the current damaging processes it is subject to. Remedial actions are only carried out when the buildings fabric is in such a fragile condition or is deteriorating at such a rate, that they could be lost in a relatively short time. These interventions are intended to be minimal but may sometimes effect on the appearance.

Remedial Works

Most of our work in this area revolves around the removal of inappropriate mortars and repairs. Cement was used in such abundance over the last 100 years and most of our work now requires its removal and replacement with a more appropriate lime mortar.

Each specific project has its own challenges and whilst there is not a rigid set of rules to adhere to in conservation, we try to apply the following general philosophy of approach to our work.

Minimal intervention is adhered to as much as possible.
Any intervention should be reversible wherever possible.
Like for like repairs where possible will be carried out and any new materials introduced, kept to an absolute minimum.
New repairs should not disturb the aesthetics of the architecture, but under scrutiny from a specialist should be visible.
Documentary evidence should be used wherever possible when carrying out replacements or repairs to avoid speculative work.
Care should be taken not to over clean a building or object to retain an air of historic integrity
Historic repairs where not causing damage to the building or object may be retained

Built a new porch on the front of the house . Foundations, block work walls and traditional timber roof with slates. Happy with finished building.

Neil , 16th November 2019

I’ve known of Tom Ferris and his work for some time. I have used him for private work on my property – which this review covers – but as a Trustee of a Grade A heritage property in the Borders, I have recommended and used him for work on that elevated level of craftsmanship. I have also seen his work on at least three other Grade A properties. I regularly recommend him to Boards of Trustees and private individuals who own heritage properties. He worked for me on a private project, creating a curved wall as part of a new remodelling of an area of my property. He produced a result that is frequently praised by those who see it for the first time.

Brian Payne, 17th November 2019

T J Ferris Stonemasonry were selected to be the sole contractor when undertaking stonework and restoration due to their ability to complete work on time and budget to the highest standards. T J Ferris Stonemasonry have restored and conserved many different elements at Ayton Castle to the highest standards of craftmanship and professionalism. Starting with the complete restoration of oldest structure in the local area the dovecot in 2014. Thomas and his team have continued working on nearly every part of the estate from restoring and fitting fireplaces to structural alterations and large-scale lime pointing. Their ability to work skilfully and safely at height was even called upon when fitting the new flag pole.

Factor, Ayton Castle

We have used Thomas and his team several times do undertake stonework and other external repairs at Abbeyhill Baptist Church in Edinburgh. The building is over 100 years old now and the stonework needed significant work. Thomas undertook this work to a high quality, and several neighbours commented on how quiet the work was despite stonework repairs taking place. We have subsequently used Thomas’ services for other repairs to the building and recommend his services highly.

Abbeyhill Treasurer

I have commissioned both small and large stonework projects from the firm and I have always been impressed by the quality of the work. I would not hesitate to use their services again.

David Campbell, 16th November 2019

I have experience of T J Ferris Stonemasonry’s work both in repair and new stone build. The quality of their workmanship is excellent. They have built a new stone wall for me personally and we are very pleased with it. They have also repaired our Georgian garden wall. TJ Ferris Stonemasonry have undertaken repair work, at a competitive cost, on the Category A listed ancient monument of Coldingham Priory – treating 13th century stonework to reduce porosity and repairing Victorian weathered sandstone.

David, Coldingham

Thomas and his team repaired, repointed and replaced the landing of our colony external stairs. As the render was removed from the step walls it became clear the steps were in greater disrepair than we thought. Thomas was quick to make the steps safe and clearly explained the additional works needed.

He also repaired some weathered stone work and removed old cement repairs repointing with the correct mortar.

Thomas and his team were polite and friendly and tidy.

Anonymous , 18th May 2022

Fantastic work on a decayed exterior window ledge. Good communication, great value and excellent job. Highly recommended.

Sandra Hamilton, 24th November 2022

Case Studies

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Coldingham Priory

Ayton Castle, Dovecot

Tweedmouth Parish Church

Get In Touch

Make An Enquiry

We consider projects of any size and type, from large-scale architectural renovations to internal works in modern homes. To find out more or to obtain a quotation please complete the enquiry form or contact Tom by phone or email.