Our history and founder
Cliveden Conservation was originally founded in 1982 by Trevor Proudfoot for the preservation of the National Trust’s buildings and statuary collections. Trevor was by trade a stonemason who championed the adoption of traditional materials, techniques and craftsmanship in conservation. In 1990 Cliveden Conservation became independent and expanded its services with workshops in Berkshire, Somerset and Norfolk.
30 years on, we are proud to continue our valued association with the National Trust as well as establishing close relationships with many other heritage organisations, architects and private clients. Sadly, Trevor is no longer with us but his son Lewis has taken over at the helm of Cliveden Conservation and is continuing to uphold his father’s legacy.
Our values
Putting best practice at the heart of everything we do, Cliveden Conservation creates sustainable relationships that value buildings, objects, people and their surroundings. Through research and informed decision making, our professional team deliver the most appropriate conservation interventions for your building or object. Our advice prioritises Conservation Philosophy – and does not compromise quality for cost. We are committed to…
Sharing knowledge
Establishing best practice
Pursuing professional development
Protecting the environment
Our Team
Lewis Proudfoot
Managing Director
Be patient and open to ideas
Conservation work should be pragmatic and closely tied to sustainability. It requires diligence, sensitivity and being receptive to other people’s views. Visiting sites and discussing complex conservation issues with passionate and skilful individuals who share a love of heritage is the favourite part of my job.
Tom Flemons
Bath Workshop Manager & Director
You never know where work will take you
As part of an ongoing project I have been very fortunate to have been involved on an archaeological site at Aphrodisias in SW Turkey. We have worked alongside an international team conserving the statuary and buildings. A great privilege to work on Roman objects in their original setting.
René Rice
Head of Project Development
Condition surveys are vital
Ornamental ceilings, like music, are constructed from an ensemble of elements but also like music, can range in complexity and expression from the simple vernacular to the austere geometry of Classicism or the floridity of the Baroque. Because of these different characteristics, condition surveys are essential.
David Bloxam
Head of Architectural Projects
Hero of the conservation world is John Ashurst
Taking time to understand a project, its materials, history and the people involved is an essential part of conservation. Through communication, patience and a ‘can-do’ attitude I believe most problems can be overcome. This is why a project should never be rushed.
Berenice Humphreys
Contracts Manager
You never stop learning
There’s always new techniques or even little tips to learn. It’s not just learning from those more senior – many of the tips and new techniques will come from the younger generation. One skill we Conservators have is the ability to think ‘outside the box’ and relish approaching some of the more difficult challenges.
Keith Learoyd
Commercial Manager
What conservation means to me
The protection and preservation of our historic buildings, monuments, objects and sculptures by maintaining and repairing for the future. Also managing change to a place of historic interest in a way that sustains or sometimes enhances its importance for many years to come.
Julia Gynn (ACR)
Head of Decorative Arts
An unforgettable moment
The Roman marble statue of a cat from Powis Castle was an exceptional project. The research and treatment led to the successful replication of 18th-century repairs composed of beeswax. With the inspiring project began a thirst for knowledge on the techniques used by the 18th century restorers.
Kris Zykubek (ACR)
Senior Conservator (Decorative Arts)
A discovery can often led to something much bigger
During conservation works we found a small statue in a private garden which the owners thought was a cheap concrete cast. It was in fact a beautifully carved Italian marble by C19 Florentine artist. The statue was valued around £60K.
Mirella McGee
Houghton Workshop Manager
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
I believe that collaborative working, aligning attitudes and clear allocation of roles within your team, with each individual committing to the group effort, is what makes a team work and a project operate successfully. There is no doubt that having the right team around you on a project will breed success.
Ben Newman
Project Manager (Architectural Projects)
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it
It is about preserving our built heritage and respecting the artistry that made it. At the same time conservation needs to strike a balance between the reverence for the past and maintaining current craft skills and allowing those skills to flourish by replacing historic fabric where there is a sound argument.
Laura Pomana-Jackson
Project Manager – Architectural Projects
My broad and diverse background, education and work experience in architecture and conservation have reinforced my passion for protecting historic buildings for future generations. I take pride in organising and being part of a skilled team to carry out this important work to some of the Uk’s most prestigious buildings.
News
St John’s College, Oxford
The St John's College project to provide a new library and study facilities also involved refurbishing the old libraries as part of ... Read more
Stonemason Sam sharpens her stained glass skills with a CPD visit to Norway.
Samantha Peacock from our Bath Workshop initiated and organised a visit to the stained glass workshop at Nidaros Cathedral having ... Read more
WREN300 Metal Conservation Evening Wednesday 12th July 2023
Metal Conservation Evening: Jean Tijou - Wren’s Iron Man and: Notre-Dame de Paris – the Iron Giant within Date: Wednesday 12th July ... Read more
Liz truss MP visits Swaffham to see the regeneration of the historic town centre
On Friday 26 May, Liz Truss MP joined Historic England and Breckland Council to see how the Swaffham High Street Heritage Action Zone ... Read more
WREN300 Live Stone Carving Competition 31st May – Friday 2nd June 2023
WREN300 CONSERVATION-IN-ACTION SERIES Live Stone Carving Competition Wednesday 31 May – Friday 2 June 2023 Holy Sepulchre Church, ... Read more
Cliveden Conservation features in new BBC heritage series ‘Hidden Treasures of the National Trust’
A new BBC Two and BBC iPlayer series, ‘Hidden Treasures of the National Trust’ features members of the Cliveden Conservation team as ... Read more
Mission complete as Apollo lands at Stowe National Trust
After thirty-three years in the planning and crafting, a brand-new statue of Apollo, created and installed by our Cliveden ... Read more
WREN300 Glass Conservation Evening 14th September 2023
Glass Conservation Evening: 'The Remarkable People, Places and Processes of Stained Glass Windows' Date: Wednesday 14th September ... Read more
WREN300 Plaster Conservation Events 10th & 11th May 2023
As proud partners of WREN300 Cliveden Conservation is delivering a series of conservation workshops (stone, wood, plaster, metal and ... Read more
WREN300 Wood Conservation Events 25th April – 4th May 2023
Wren300 is a tercentenary celebration of Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) - Mathematician, Astronomer and one of the country’s most ... Read more
Checking outdoor statuary for winter damage
Now that spring is here, it’s the perfect time to check on your valuable garden statuary for any damage caused by the ravages of ... Read more
WREN300 Stone Conservation workshop programme April 2023
Wren300 is a tercentenary celebration of Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) - Mathematician, Astronomer and one of the country’s most ... Read more