About us

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 Sustainability Policy

We consider an integrated approach to Environmental, Social and Economic impact issues (both internal and external) leading to long term, sustainable and successful delivery for our business, our people and our activities.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Katie May Langridge

Head of Conservation and Operations (East)

Today’s actions for tomorrow’s success

Our team’s adaptability and problem-solving skills are our greatest assets. Each project presents a unique set of challenges, and as conservators, we continually balance best practices, priorities, and budgets. In my role, I witness how hard the team works and the extreme level of care and pride they take in every detail. Our people are our most valuable resource.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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David Cranham

Project Manager – Architectural Projects

Building connections with people and places is vital

As the temporary custodians of historic sites, we must be thoughtful in our approach, drawing on the most up-to-date thinking in our planning and management. Part of our role is to understand people’s relationship to the building or object, as it holds significant meaning for them.

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Paul How

Conservation Project Manager – East Anglia

Saving our yesterdays for all our tomorrows

The history of the building and the people who built it is vital. It’s what connects you. Receiving a civic award for the conservation works on Newsons Farm Thorpe Morieux must be my proudest moment. My biggest challenge to date is moving a whole timber-framed barn to save it from demolition.