Rupert Harris Conservation was established in 1982 and since then we have built a reputation as the leading Conservators of metalwork and sculpture in Europe. Our work covers the full spectrum of objects from jewellery to monumental sculpture, and from the seemingly mundane and utilitarian to the most valuable and fine.

We have a highly skilled and dedicated team of conservators with extensive experience in the conservation of works of art in metal and other media. From our studios in east London we work on projects anywhere in the country and internationally.

Rupert Harris is a PACR Accredited Conservator-Restorer, a member of ICON and an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Our company has been awarded SSIP accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace.

We work within a broadly defined international code of conservation ethics. We adhere to the principal that conservation is the safeguarding of cultural property for the future, by the prevention of deterioration, with the most minimal intervention possible to the object. Our primary responsibility is to the objects on which we work or for which we have a duty of care.

In 1982 we were appointed Metalwork Conservation Advisor to the National Trust. We therefore have responsibility for the conservation and care of all metalwork within the National Trust's collections. Additionally, in 2003 we were appointed Architectural Metalwork Consultant to English Heritage, and we also act as consultants to many other national institutions, architects and private collectors.

Other clients include the Royal Household and Historic Royal Palaces, as well as most major public museums, contemporary art galleries, city councils, architects, art dealers, auction houses and private collectors.

It is our intention to expand this website to provide detailed, free information to students and all those in the conservation community and other interested parties. We have already installed a searchable glossary of technical terms, and additional information pages on the conservation of lead sculpture, and general recommendations for further reading. If you have any suggestions for improvements to our site, please email us.

The Conservation Register is an easy way to find experienced and professionally qualified conservators, as well as guidance information on topics such as 'choosing and working with a conservator', and pointers on caring for a range of objects and collections.

It is free to use and provides detailed information on conservation/restoration businesses based in the UK and Ireland. It is searchable by specialist skill and geographical location and each business has been required to meet rigorous criteria which include professional accreditation. The information is regularly updated.

The Conservation Register is owned and operated by Icon, the Institute of Conservation.

In the world of Decorative Restoration, there can be no greater accolade than the Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen. It signifies workmanship of the highest standard and the ability to consistently maintain those standards through every aspect of the work. Clough Harris was granted the Royal Warrant in 2006, and George Clough RVM (co-director), was honoured personally by Her Majesty for his part in the restoration of Windsor Castle, following the great fire in 1992.

The work for which Clough Harris is widely renowned, can be found in myriad buildings, public and private, throughout Britain and abroad. They include Churches, Castles & Stately Homes, Museums, Galleries & Public Monuments. A most recent undertaking was the complete re-gilding of the Victoria Memorial which stands in front of Buckingham Palace.

Decorative Restoration demands a mastery of all aspects of decorating, fused with a thorough knowledge of materials and techniques both ancient and modern. These include Gilding, Stencilling & Fine Ornamentation; Marbling, Wood graining & Broken Colour Finishes; Imitation Stone, Trompe L'oeil & Freehand Artwork, Paper-hanging and all forms of traditional Painting.

Clough Harris's services also include Furniture Restoration and Reproduction, Upholstery and French Polishing. They provide Colour Consultation as well as Design, Scheme Development and Project Management.

Specialists in the conservation-restoration of interior woodwork, large or small projects. Run by Tristram and Abigail Bainbridge, both Icon-accredited conservators. Recent on-site treatments have been to medieval choirstalls, organ cases, and Art Deco panelling. The company also undertakes treatments to movable objects in their London studios: furniture, gilding, lacquer and decorative arts, books and art on paper. Expect a high level of craftsmanship and modern conservation techniques. Recent clients include English Heritage, Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, National Trust, Ripon Cathedral, St Margaret Pattens, and private clients.


Abigail Bainbridge - Abigail is a book & paper conservator. She is Associate Lecturer in book conservation at West Dean College and teaches Advanced Bookbinding and Intermediate Bookbinding at Morley College. She occasionally teaches short courses as well, including at the London Centre for Book Arts and Women’s Studio Workshop (NY). She has taught conservation science at Camberwell College of Arts and worked as a conservator at Columbia University and Paper Dragon Books (NYC). She has an MA (distinction) in Conservation Studies from West Dean on research into selective discolouration of 17th-century paper, and a BFA in printmaking and art history with highest honours from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Abigail is an accredited member of the Institute of Conservation and has served on its Book & Paper Group for 6 years, currently as Chair.

Tristram Bainbridge - Tristram is a furniture conservator specialising in Asian lacquer. He has been a furniture conservator at the Victoria and Albert Museum since 2011. He is Associate Tutor for the furniture conservation programme at West Dean College and has lectured in conservation at City and Guilds of London Art School and Camberwell College of Arts. He has an MA in Conservation Studies from West Dean College and a BA Hons in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute.

Tristram is an accredited member of Icon, serving on the Furniture & Wood Group committee, and is a trustee of the Anna Plowden Trust.

Looking for work? We regularly work with freelancers and keep a list of people to call on when we have big projects—drop us a line with your CV, a reference and your availability if you want to be considered for the list. We also periodically host internships and short work placements.