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

Tom and his team recently finished a number of stone and building repairs at my house and I cannot recommend them enough. The job was complex yet Tom and his team provided me with a comprehensive estimate and plan which was followed through keeping us in budget. The craftsmanship was first class and Tom’s team were professional, courteous and tidy throughout. I am delighted with the results.

Stephen Weir

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

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

Firas Khnaisser

Great work carried out by a great team. Would highly recommend.

Andrina Robertson

The company seems well organised, quoted a good price, no fuss, friendly people. Job done well.

Jim Robertson

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

Very happy with work completed on a listed building to repair damaged stonework around a window and preventative work to redress heavily weathered pointing.

Thomas and his team were a pleasure to deal with and were very professional during the work. The finish blends very well with the existing stonework and I would have no hesitation commissioning TJ Ferris for any further work I required or recommending them to others.

Jeremy Thornton

We’re really pleased with the quality and workmanship carried out by Thomas and his team who were hardworking and courteous.

Alison, 15th May 2021

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.