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

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

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

Just a small job needed but it was done to a high standard and very friendly service too. Very pleased with the work overall.

Grace, October 2012

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

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

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

Excellent job as per normal from Tom.

Factor Charter Hall , 27th September 2018

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

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.