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

Thomas and his team replaced some stones on the exterior wall of my listed house and removed some crumbling mortar before fixing the gaps. The end result is great – it blends in with the rest of the building perfectly and they were professional throughout the process. They worked quickly and efficiently, sticking to their promised time frame and budget!

Kerry Harper, 31st July 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

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

Andrina Robertson

Very happy with the work done by Thomas and his team. The work involved some plastic repairs (lithomex) to my tenement wall to fix an area of stone that had delaminated and crumbled away. It was quite an awkward spot to get to as the access scaffold had to be built on another flat roof and the repair itself was high level, just below the gutter line, but they done a great job and got it sorted despite some very windy weather. I would recommend to friends and call on them again if the need arises.

Richard , 9th April 2021

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 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

Thomas and his men repointed the front of our bungalow, repaired a stone widow sill and replaced some rendering. Despite the current covid situation causing a delay to the start of the work, the work was carried out efficiently and smoothly. I cannot fault the quality of the finish and the workmen were friendly and hard working. Overall we’re very happy to have chosen Thomas for the work.

Richard Kotas, 9th March 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.