Stonework

Stone Conservation and Restoration

We cover all aspects of stone conservation and restoration including stone carving, letter cutting, stone masonry, stone repairs and mortar repairs.

Cliveden Conservation was originally founded to conserve and repair the National Trust’s garden sculpture and statuary and we are rightly proud of our pedigree in stone conservation and deliver best-practice.

Our Services

Our stonemasons and stone conservators repair, clean and protect buildings and architectural stone elements from the ravages of time and the increasing challenges of climate. We can repair and install monuments, sculpture, lettering and architectural masonry. Our stonemasons and stone conservators have extensive experience in the in-situ protection of historic objects, as well as in moving, storing, and reinstating historic collections and artefacts, from Roman stone to modern twentieth-century sculptural art. Projects include:

Restoring and consolidating ruined structures

Cleaning and repairing external and internal stonework

Repairing and reinstating historic stone, mosaic and tiled floors

Restoring memorials, gravestones and monuments

Who we work with

Cliveden Conservation collaborates with architects and the owners and operators of historic buildings as main or principal contractor, or works alongside main contractors as a specialist subcontractor.

Stone Sculptors

Cliveden Conservation award-winning stone carvers specialise in fine detailing, from decorative mouldings and chimneypieces to figurative sculpture. The team expertly replicates historic carvings and restores statuary and architectural stonework using traditional techniques and materials.

Whether repairing ornate church carvings or hand-carving custom pieces such as decorative finials and elaborate fireplace mantels, our stone carvers bring skill and experience to every project. Bespoke commissions for architectural stonework and statuary are welcomed, with drawings and small-scale maquettes presented to clients prior to finalising the work.

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Restoration of statues

We have extensive experience in the conservation of historic statues and the restoration of religious statuary. Our stone carvers work closely with clients throughout the process. We present drawings and small-scale maquettes to ensure that the final piece of carving meets the brief and is suitable for installation.

We can replicate and repair stone carvings using photographs and other historical evidence, even when details of the original carvings have eroded over time.

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Expert Letter Cutting

Our stonemason can sharpen and restore weathered lettering or carve new inscriptions. Inscriptions into gravestones, monuments and war memorials are hand-carved with the utmost care and attention to detail. Commissions often include adding or restoring names to monuments and memorials as part of wider stone conservation projects, alongside cleaning, repairs and new inscriptions Our letter cutters can match existing styles and fonts ensuring inscriptions remain legible and intact for future generations. From simple, classic styles to intricate, ornate fonts, we bring inscriptions to life with precision and artistry.

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StoneMasonry and Brickwork

Cliveden Conservation stonemasons undertake all aspects of stonemasonry, from balustrades and cornices to pinnacles and window mullions. The team is skilled at accurately replicating plain, carved and decorative stonework, whether through indent repairs, full replacements or new architectural carving.

Our stonemasons and conservators can undertake pointing repairs or full rake-out and repoint projects. We are experienced in brick repairs and rebuilding, as well as tile, terracotta, and faience repairs and replacement.

New build link building at Exeter College library

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Stone Conservation

The stone conservation team repairs and restores historic stone masonry and heritage brickwork, including flintwork. Services include cleaning and repairing stonework, replacing damaged stones and bricks, and rebuilding parts or entire buildings.

Decay mechanisms and environmental factors affecting stone and brickwork are carefully considered. Stone indents and mortar repairs are chosen to best match the original materials using a like-for-like ethos. Mortar and other material analysis is offered along with advice on trial specifications to best suit each project.

restoration of Saint Mary Magdalene Paddington

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Stone Cleaning and Paint Removal

Cliveden Conservation undertakes all types of stone cleaning and trials, from decorative stonework and monuments to large-scale facades and stone or tiled floors. The experienced team uses a comprehensive range of traditional and modern techniques, including laser cleaning, JOS, DOFF, ThermaTech and VorTech systems.

Conservators are experts in removing paint and atmospheric pollution build-up using appropriate methods such as steam, poultices and sensitive conservation cleaning. Services also include investigations to reveal historic decorative schemes and medieval wall paintings, and graffiti removal from heritage assets

Stonemason cleaning the stonework of the bridge

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Conservation of Ruins

Our teams have a proven track record in the conservation and stabilisation of ruined structures, including rubble walls and flint work. We can undertake mortar consolidation, rebuilding and replacement of flints, brick and stonework, and are experienced in the application of soft capping to wall heads with sedum and grass, and the consolidation of hard capping with appropriate lime mortars.

Odiham Castle ruins after conservation work.

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Statuary and Stone removals

We manage the complex logistics of moving, storing and relocating statuary collections and monuments of all shapes and sizes. Our team work collaboratively to address complex problems when moving and installing objects into and out of historic buildings and gardens. We supply bespoke fixings and display brackets and install security fixings to prevent theft.

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Winter Covers for statues

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.