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

Repaired external stairs – work was completed with excellent masonry skills, on time and within budget. What else can you ask for. Highly recommend you use Tom Ferris Stonemasonry.

Shirly Crolla

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 could not be more happy with the job.

Stephen Weir, 3rd November 2023

I was made aware of T J Ferris Stonemasonry when I saw their work at Ayton Castle. I commissioned them to build a concave wall in my garden, which was completed within time and budget. Subsequently he has gone on to work on the Grade A listed walls on our estate. We would now use T J Ferris Stonemasonry as our first choice.

Brian, Eyemouth

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

Prompt, friendly and business like, Thomas checked out, assessed and estimated for repair of a dangerous broken step at the bottom of our common stairwell. Ahead of schedule and, at short notice, he resolved our problem to everyone’s satisfaction. TJF Stonemasonry is local to the Canongate and we would be more than happy to avail ourselves of their splendid services again. Highly recommended.

Alexandra Wallace, 2nd May 2021

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’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

Tom was recommended to me by several people and I am glad I went with their recommendations. He is obviously highly experienced and the end result is fantastic. I didn’t really know what I needed but Tom advised me how it should be done. He is very flexible and keeps you informed of how and when is best to carry out the work, taking care to consider weather conditions. A true professional!

Sue, Coldingham

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.