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

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

Stone walling altered and gate inserted in 6 ft high wall. Also dry stone walling repaired.

Thomas did the work brilliantly. His workmanship is precise and to be admired.

I would not use anyone else for any further work we will from time to time need doing on our cottage and walled gardens.

Sue Hunter, 19th November 2019

Excellent quality work. Very polite. Good communication. Not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. Has done two jobs for us now and next time we need stone work done he’ll be first on our list to do it.

Ross Woodrow

Great guys, great work l, highly recommend Tom and team.

Firas Khnaisser

Stone repairs, replacement of ridge tiles and pointing of chimneys and wall heads.
Excellent service. I have used TJ Ferris Stonemasonry on a number of occasions now and would not hesitate to recommend this company both for the work done and value for money. Both Thomas and Blake are excellent workmen.

Andrina , 20th November 2019

T J Ferris Stonemasonry were competitively priced, friendly and approachable. They started the job quickly and the finished result looks fantastic. We will come back to them in the future.

Giles, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Thomas completely replaced the platform at the top of my Colony steps, repaired some of the steps, repaired the walls on either side and repointed the walls along the pavement. Everything was colour matched to fit with the original steps and I’m delighted with the final result.
Thomas and his workers were really great, friendly and polite and worked so hard to do everything just right. Thomas kept me informed every step of the way, was very thorough when finishing off and made sure everything was tidied up. A very positive experience!

Iona , 24th November 2021

Polite and very professional. T J Ferris and has done a number of wall repairs for us and they all look great. Would use again.

Rupert Trotter

Case Studies

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Coldingham Priory

Ayton Castle, Dovecot

Tweedmouth Parish Church

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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.