Working to preserve our painted past - Our philosophy is to offer a holistic approach to conservation. We work with a network of conservation professionals and organisations to provide a comprehensive service in the documentation, investigation and treatment of decorated architectural surfaces.

Our team have experience working with a range of institutions including The Courtauld Institute of Art, University College London, The Palace of Westminster, Historic Royal Palaces and The Getty Conservation Institute.

Opus Conservation specialises in the conservation of wall painting and other decorated architectural surfaces. We are based in the UK and have a portfolio of national and international experience encompassing;

- Cultural heritage documentation
- Condition assessment with technical and diagnostic investigation
- Control and treatment of deterioration in wall paintings and other decorated architectural surfaces

At Aldis & May we are a team of specialist consultants, conservators and craftspeople who are genuinely passionate about protecting and conserving our built heritage. Based out of our workshop in Suffolk, our team operates across East Anglia and further afield.

​Our extensive understanding and knowledge of both traditional and modern materials and techniques enables us to advise on, and undertake, the best methodology. We understand that having work done can be stressful and we do everything we can to make the process as easy and undisruptive as possible.

​Our approach at Aldis & May is simple; to adhere to conservation best practice and work with the client to achieve the highest quality result and best long term solutions for the repair of their buildings, interiors and collections. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and ability to adapt to the requirement of each individual project.

​We have carried out work on a wide range of historic architecture and sites including listed buildings, stately homes, churches, cathedrals, historic houses, government buildings, ruins, gardens and ancient scheduled monuments.

Our colleagues and clients include heritage organisations, local authorities, architects, specialist contractors, charities, trusts, museums, dioceses, PCC’s and private clients.

​Aldis & May are able to act as either a principal contractor, specialist sub-contractor or as a consultant in an advisory capacity. We welcome projects of all types, both large and small, which we can manage from the initial survey through to completion. We take pride in our ability to complete works on time and to budget as well as our consistently high standards of work. This makes us not only cost effective but excellent value. A significant number of our projects are funded by communities, charities and funding bodies and we often provide presentational materials, workshops and talks to engage with the local community and spread awareness of conservation.

​We undertake the conservation of both plain and decorative architectural features and masonry from materials such as stone, traditional lime plaster, brick, flint, cement and terracotta aswell as the historic decorative surface including polychromy, wallpaintings and gilding.

Arte Conservation Ltd is an independent team of consultants and conservators specialising in the treatment of painted and applied decoration on plaster, stone, wood, canvas and mosaics. Clients include English Heritage, the National Trust, cathedrals, churches, museums and public and private owners of historic buildings. Projects have included the conservation of works of art dating from the 6th to the 21st century. Conservation services include condition surveys, specifications, historical research and technical analysis as part of a comprehensive approach to dealing with conservation problems. Arte Conservation Ltd operates throughout the UK and has been involved in a number of prestigious conservation projects abroad

Since 1873, the name of Campbell Smith & Co Ltd has been synonymous with expert advice and experienced consultancy services, united with the highest quality of craftsmanship.

Our portfolio includes the conservation and care of many National Monuments, Palaces and Houses, Museums and Galleries, Cathedrals and Churches, as well as historic and modern buildings requiring fine decoration with traditional skill and care.

Campbell Smith & Co holds extensive information on historic decorative schemes that have been both proposed and executed since 1873, including detailed drawings, hand-painted scale watercolours, details of earlier finishes and many other invaluable historic documents that will assist curators, architects and owners in obtaining accurate information about the decorative history of their buildings without any material intervention to the current scheme.

Campbell Smith and Co Ltd is a trading company within the Cousins Group (Contractors) Ltd organisation, in which the other primary trading company is Cousins Ltd

As leaders and within the early founders of the fields of architectural paint research (paint scrapes & paint cross-sections), historic paint analysis, lead paint / historic interiors research, and known simply by their joint name, ‘Crick-Smith’ since 1995; Ian and Michael have been providing a valued unique paint analysis, conservation and research service to the heritage sector for many years. Ian since 1983 (ICON accredited 2000), and Michael from 1985. Since 1993 they have worked for many clients and employers on many high-profile projects, including the St Pancras Midland Grand Hotel, Kenwood House, Kew Palace, Osborne House, Bletchley Park, the Glasgow School of Art, Willow Tea Rooms and Royal Household/Crown Estate Properties. They also specialise in the research of maritime history and vessels. A variety of projects for a variety of clients and employers.

After they terminated a 10yr joint initiative with University of Lincoln, the Crick-Smiths re-established Crick-Smith Ltd 1st August 2017. They now focus their work on paint analysis, architectural paint research, conservation of historic paint schemes, wallpapers, gilding / decorative finishes. With completion of 600+ conservation projects between them, for a range of clients/employers since the early 1980s. They now provide you, the client, with the information to inform your projects and decision-making, ensuring your project meets the highest possible standard of achievement and fits your own budget & timescale.

Historic paint analysis, architectural paint research, pigment analysis, lead analysis, wallpaper, renders, mortars and material analysis, combined with archival evidence tell the story you need to know to achieve accurate, practical and achievable results. The very best, high quality service for your project!

With backgrounds in conservation and archaeology, re-enforced with degrees in Conservation and Restoration, Ian and Michael completed 11 years of internationally recognised research at the University of Lincoln. Renowned through their consultancy, the Crick-Smiths understand what is required and to what level, so that you are not commissioning unnecessary and expensive work.

DBR London was established in 1990, to form a highly specialist façade conservation company to tackle the problems of masonry decay in London. The early years of the business as a specialist masonry contractor quickly gained momentum with a reputation for quality. This resulted in larger projects being awarded, and DBR London evolving into a Principal Contractor, taking charge of entire conservation projects.

In 2008 as the company grew, it became apparent that DBR’s delivery to our clients required an ‘in house ‘roofing division to compliment our ‘in house’ masonry façade specialism, thus providing a complete external envelope repair service. DBR Leadwork was formed to satisfy this need and soon became successful in its own right as a Principal Contractor for roofing projects as well as a partner to DBR London.

In 2011 DBR Conservation was formed in response to a growing requirement for DBR to undertake entire conservation projects both externally and internally. This enabled us to embody the skills of gilders and conservators for work to historic polychrome surfaces and fine objects.

More recently DBRs progression has seen the forming of DBR Southern, which harks back to DBR London’s roots as a specialist masonry contractor. DBR is also expanding its joinery service to historic buildings along with fire safety improvements in historic building environments following on from our multi million pound fire safety improvement scheme at the Palace of Westminster.

Additionally we have recently launched our Drone Division flying state of the art UAV’s by CAA approved ‘in house’ masonry specialists. DBR is also expanding its UK operations and our major projects division with landmark conservation projects including the recent award of the multi million pound external conservation of Liberty London.

The whole DBR group continues to recruit specialist crafts to strengthen and expand our skill base along with dedicated and passionate managers whose mission is to provide an exemplary service in the field of historic building conservation, repair and regeneration. There will be many more chapters in DBRs journey that will ensure our clients will receive a comprehensive service for their historic buildings, and which will continue to provide a ‘go to’ business that ensures quality and care in a skillful and dynamic manner.

‘Making sure the past has a future’

Our team is headed up by Fran Stacey who brings extensive knowledge and experience in restoration lime work and fine painting to the company. We are committed to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction and will work with you to achieve the best finish.

We are based in Wiltshire, but are more than happy to travel anywhere in the UK. Our client list is varied and we specialise in older and listed properties using distempers and material's appropriate to the period of the building. Carrying on the traditions of old paint and plaster techniques such as wood graining, marbling and lime plastering.

We believe firmly in taking the traditional crafts of the past and preserving them for future generations. We are a member of the association of painting craft teachers and are members of the traditional lime forum and traditional paint forum.

Hirst Conservation Ltd was established in 1986 by Elizabeth Hirst. Elizabeth was trained by Professor Robert Baker and Mrs Eve Baker, who were amongst the UK’s most eminent conservators of wall paintings and limestone sculpture. Elizabeth is actively involved in the development of Hirst Conservation Ltd as both a practical conservator and consultant. Hirst Conservation is on the Conservation Register and employs a number of conservators accredited through the PACR scheme.

Hirst Conservation Ltd provides a holistic approach to the building envelope and associated surfaces. To achieve this aim, the company structure includes a wide range of disciplines, including stone, plaster, decorative finishes, wall paintings, materials analysis, paint research and easel paintings conservation, achieved through the employment of experienced conservators. Hirst Conservation Ltd also undertakes consultancy work and the overseeing of project briefs.

This base of varied specialisms allows us to act on informed treatment specifications. All conservation work undertaken by Hirst, whatever the specialism, is undertaken alongside preliminary survey, analysis and research, including photographic and diagrammatic recording, archival research and the assessment of previous treatments, where applicable. This working relationship of research and conservation serves to enforce the understanding and appropriate treatment of the building envelope and associated elements.

International Fine Art Conservation Studios (IFACS) was established by Richard Pelter in 1969, under the name of West of England Restoration Studios. The company became International Fine Art Conservation Studios Ltd in 1985, to reflect its growing presence in the global market. IFACS has maintained a tradition of employing highly-qualified and experienced conservators, who have completed many prestigious heritage conservation projects for clients in the UK and abroad.

Our Conservation Work - IFACS conservators are able to take on the conservation of a wide range of art, from easel paintings and wall paintings, to polychrome sculpture and historic decorative interiors. The name has become synonymous with high quality work and a sympathetic conservation approach.

The studio has conserved many paintings such as portraits, landscapes and maritime scenes from important private collections, among which have been works by artists such as Sir Allan Ramsey, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Thomas Gainsborough, John Singer Sargent, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir and J.M.W. Turner. IFACS is increasingly taking on contemporary pieces by a variety of popular artists, with works coming from private owners, art galleries, auction houses or dealers alike.

Lincoln Conservation is a company that specialises in the conservation of the decorative interiors in historic and listed buildings. We are also researchers, advisors and practitioners on the conservation of historic decoration and artefacts. Lincoln Conservation is a professional team providing conservation services and training.

The consultancy has been involved in the conservation of numerous iconic, historic properties throughout the British Isles, for a range of clients responsible for our shared built heritage. We can offer this service to anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of their building or having to make decisions about future decoration.

Lincoln Conservation operates as a commercial arm of the University of Lincoln and is based in the historic Cathedral city of Lincoln. Ongoing development of the business is strengthened by the innovation and integration of equipment and methodologies designed to improve the quality, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of historic building and materials conservation.

Over many years our team of highly professional, skilled and experienced conservators have built a wealth of knowledge about conserving buildings and historic objects or artefacts in situ, as well as at the bench. The range of services we offer and our experience of materials is increasing all the time and we welcome your enquiries on all conservation issues. Please contact us if you feel that we can help you or offer you advice.

Peter offers care and advice for the conservation of historically and artistically valuable interiors and artefacts to heritage organisations and communities, churches, cathedrals and private individuals. His experience in conservation began with an apprenticeship at Canterbury Cathedral Wall Paintings Workshop from 1985 until 1988. From the first day it was very much ‘hands on’ training, working on wall paintings, decorative polychromy and decorative plasterwork.

In order to develop his practical experience further Peter assisted a number of senior conservators in the private sector throughout the British Isles, including a period with Historic Scotland. During that time, through the nature of the projects and the conservators he was involved with Peter’s skill base grew to include paintings on canvas, gilding and stone sculpture.

In 2003 Peter established his own practice in Fovant, near Salisbury; where he operates from his studio. The studio itself is the realisation of a vision held since first entering the field of conservation.

Whilst retaining his delight in the practical side of his profession Peter has developed his diagnostic skills, allowing him to prepare detailed illustrated condition assessments as part of an overall conservation service.

As in any profession it is important to keep abreast of developments within the field. Peter does this through various channels including participating actively within the Stone and Wall Paintings section of the Institute of Conservation where he is currently Treasurer.

Richard Ireland is the UK's leading conservator of historic plaster and paint. He operates principally as an independent consultant and practitioner but also advises for public bodies including English Heritage, Historic Royal Palaces, Office of Public Works Ireland, National Trust, Historic Scotland and Ecclesiastical organisations.

Specialising in plain and decorative plaster, internal and external finishes, paint analysis, and the reinstatement of historic schemes, Richard's projects typically involve a combination of archaeological investigation, scientific analysis, and contextual historic research.
He also teaches and lectures in his subject and is widely published.

Richard's role in the guardianship of important buildings has received considerable recognition. Having worked at the forefront of the groundbreaking restoration of Uppark House in the 1990s, Richard became chairman of the Traditional Paint Forum, received the Honorary Freedom of The Worshipful Company of Painter Stainers, and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London. His projects encompass a diverse spectrum of historically significant buildings, from small farmhouse interiors, to major works such as the British Museum and The Holy Sepulchre Jerusalem.

Rickerby and Shekede are a London-based wall painting conservation practice with an established and wide-ranging portfolio of UK and international work. While operating privately, we also have a sustained record of working with two leading conservation institutions, the Courtauld Institute of Art (Conservation of Wall Painting Department, University of London) and the Getty Conservation Institute.

Our main focus is on practical wall painting conservation, with expertise in a wide variety of wall painting technologies and periods. Specialisms include the conservation of wall paintings on earthen supports, with project experience ranging from English domestic paintings to Asian Buddhist cave paintings.

We are committed to conservation practice based on multi-disciplinary diagnosis. To ensure consistency, we undertake our own art-historical research, condition and technical investigations, environmental monitoring and assessment, and materials analysis. We also have a strong background in treatment research and development, enabling us to design and implement customised conservation programmes.

Tobit Curteis Associates is a practice specialising in the investigation, monitoring and control of environmental deterioration in historic buildings and collections and the conservation of wall paintings and polychrome surfaces.

Our work in the UK and abroad involves environmental surveys and monitoring of structures and materials, including building fabric, monuments, wall paintings, architectural polychromy, wooden structures, and stained glass, in order to develop practical systems to control deterioration and to enable long term passive conservation. We also carry out environmental surveys and monitoring for museums and collections and provide environmental training for conservation staff.

Our work with wall paintings and architectural polychromy involves the investigation and control of deterioration, as well as the conservation treatment. We undertake extensive condition surveying, graphic recording, art historical research and materials analysis, as well as the provision of educational and presentation material.

Our clients include heritage organisations, churches, cathedrals, historic houses, museums and collections.

Stephen Bellion started his career as a church restorer in 1979. He was an apprentice to Peter Larkwothy, the great grandson of Alfred Bell of Clayton and Bell.

In 1991, Stephen became a partner in Howell and Bellion until 2015, when he formed Stephen Bellion Church Art Restoration. Over the last 40 years Stephen and his team have worked in churches and historic buildings all over the country, cleaning and restoring original decorative schemes and executing new ones.

Stephen Bellion Church Art specialises in the conservation and restoration of decorative interiors and statues, monuments, organ pipes and cases.