We cover every aspect of stone conservation
Cliveden Conservation was originally founded with a focus on stone, and we are rightly proud of our pedigree. We repair, clean and aim to protect buildings from the ravages of age, using our specialist knowledge to establish best practice in repair techniques. Our stone masons and carvers can make and install monuments, sculpture, lettering and architectural masonry.
We have extensive experience of in-situ protection of historic objects, along with moving, storing and reinstating historic collections and artifacts, from Egyptian Stelae to modern sculpture.
Carving
Our highly skilled carvers create fine detailing such as foliate mouldings, chimneypieces and fingers to damaged sculpture. We also welcome bespoke commissions for architectural stonework and statuary. Drawings and small-scale maquettes are presented to the client prior to finalising the project.
Lettering
The ability to carve fine lettering into stone is a rare skill, and we have a team of letter cutters able to carve inscriptions into gravestones, monuments, and war memorials. We refine weathered or damaged lettering and create new to match an existing style and font.
Masonry
Where masonry elements have been damaged, such as balustrades or cornices, our team can measure and template, carrying out precision carving to insert new elements to existing structures. We aim to retain as much of the historic material as possible, trimming our new work to fit, and using suitable fixing methods.
Repairs
We maintain the principle of ‘like-for-like’ while taking into consideration the decay mechanisms and environmental changes affecting stone and brickwork in buildings.
Delicate mortar repairs, and fine indents are stone-matched where possible to the original or substituted with suitable alternatives. Mortar mixes are matched and trialled using both visual and laboratory analysis. We advise on the most appropriate repair methods.
Reinstatement
We repair and reinstate stonework as well as manage the complex logistics of moving, storing and relocating statuary collections, tombs and monuments of all shapes and sizes. Our team work closely with landscapers and engineers to address complex problems when moving and installing objects into and out of historic buildings and gardens.
We can also install security fixings to prevent theft and have a range of portable lifting equipment to enable precise movement of objects without damage.
Winter Covers
We have developed a winter cover system which protects sculptures and decorative stonework from damage caused by freezing and wet conditions.
Our bespoke winter covers consist of a three layered moisture impermeable system which is windproof, waterproof, insulating and provides UV protection.
Protect sculpture and decorative stonework with winter covers
Case Studies
Chapter House, Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford
A project to bring back Chapter House into use as a multi-functional meeting and event space required specialist conservation skills in a number of areas.
Phase two of conservation repairs to Wells Cathedral
Cliveden Conservation was appointed by Wells Cathedral and Nick Cox Architects to undertake the second phase of conservation repairs to the medieval statues of the West Front of the cathedral.
Cromer War Memorial Norfolk
Cromer War Memorial, originally designed by WD Caröe in 1919, had suffered severe wind-driven, seaward weather conditions over the years.
Related news
Nano Electro Application Technique (NEAT) to be incorporated into heritage lime training day.
Cliveden Conservation give specifiers a first look at the new Nano Electro Application Technique (NEAT) at its Heritage Lime Training Day for Specifiers on 17th September 2026 at Reading Abbey Ruins.
Barking’s eighteenth-century workhouse stone plaque restored
The plaque was significantly weathered and split after years exposed to the elements. Cliveden Conservation has stabilised the stone and improved the legibility of the carved lettering.
Grade II* Burton Mausoleum reopens to the public
Habitats & Heritage worked closely with Cliveden Conservation, Martin Ashley Architects and specialist partners to carefully repair, conserve and reopen the mausoleum.