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.
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.
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 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.
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
Case Studies
Get In Touch
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.