Consultancy & Advice

My particular areas of expertise and interest are:

Environmental Monitoring & Control

Most of my projects are in the area of optimising environmental conditions within a building, whether this is reducing the level of dampness in a castle or reducing the level of dryness in a museum interior.

A survey followed by efficient gathering of environmental data over a period of time will point towards practical steps to ensure the longevity of building and contents.

Preventive Conservation

Preventing the need for intervention is preferable to expensive and damaging conservation work. An environmental assessment of a site can lead to measures being put in place that avoid or reduce problems later on.

Energy Use Monitoring

Museums & historic houses often have to find a balance between energy costs (heating and humidification), caring for their collection and ensuring visitors and staff are warm in the winter.  I can advise on how to achieve this balance and so minimise fuel bills and carbon emissions.

Insect Pest Monitoring

Insect pests can be a symptom of excessive damp in a building.  Their presence is detected by the placing of traps followed by identification by an entomologist. This knowledge is then used to inform treatments to collections and adjustments to buildings.

Initial Assessments

It can be difficult for those responsible for a heritage asset (such as a building, site, ruin, sculpture, monument or memorial) to know where to start.  I can provide a swift and economical report that makes an initial assessment and gives recommendations for any further investigation that might be required.

Stone Conservation

The slowing (or arresting) of decay to stonework - be it part of a building or a piece of carved stone within a building - can sometimes be simple to advise on.  It can involve analysis of stone and the devising of a conservation programme.

Plaster Conservation

This usually takes the form of plaster ceilings and associated mouldings.  I have experience of consolidating plaster in situ as well as reinstating plasterwork.