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  1.   Archaeology
  2.    Public
Discover everything you need to know about archaeology in Britain with Current Archaeology, the UK’s favourite archaeology magazine. History Current Archaeology is the UK’s only independent consum...
Discover everything you need to know about archaeology in Britain with Current Archaeology, the UK’s favourite archaeology magazine.
History

Current Archaeology is the UK’s only independent consumer magazine aimed at the archaeology enthusiast. Launched in 1967 by husband and wife team Andrew and Wendy Selkirk, it is the best-selling title in its field with over 45,000 readers who are passionate about heritage.
What’s in the magazine?

The magazine covers the archaeology of all periods – from prehistory and ancient human origins, Roman and Anglo-Saxon Britain, and the Middle Ages right through to modern times – and it bridges the gap between the amateur and the professional. We aim neither to preach, nor to give a bare recital of facts. Instead we speak to the archaeologists themselves to bring you the full story: why the excavators went there, how they made their discoveries, what they found, why it’s important, and, of course, what it all means.
Published every month, each issue includes:

Digs: We bring you reports on the latest excavations, brilliantly described and beautifully illustrated with informative photographs and stunning aerial images
Discoveries: Be the first to know about the latest archaeological discoveries, put into context
Debate: Lively opinion pieces keep you informed on all the debates currently taking place within archaeology – who’s saying what, and why it matters
News: Keep up-to-date with the latest news from excavations across the UK
Science Notes: Understand what the latest scientific techniques are, how they work, and what they can tell us about our past
Calendar: Find out what’s on and where with all the archaeological diary dates.
Books: Get discerning reviews of the latest books, and discover what’s soon to be published.
Museums: Explore behind the scenes at the latest archaeological exhibitions.

Who produces it? - Current Archaeology is produced by Current Publishing (who also produce two sister magazines, Current World Archaeology, and Military History Matters). You can find a list of our main contributors here. We are a small and enthusiastic team based in West London where we write and design the magazines, and also deal with the subscriptions and business functions of the magazines too. So if you have any query about Current Archaeology, just give us a call on 020 8819 5580 and there will be someone here to help you.
How do I get Current Archaeology?

The best way to get the magazine is by subscription – our subscribers get each issue delivered to their door, before it even goes on sale in shops, and it works out better value than buying individual issues. You can subscribe online using our secure server, you can call us on 020 8819 5580, and you can also write to us.

Current Archaeology is also stocked in WH Smith stores, and in a number of independent newsagents.
How do I find out more?

Now you know a bit about us, why not read about what we do. You can read summaries of our latest articles; see what has been in some of the previous magazines; see what our readers think about Current Archaeology; and then maybe, give us a try, and subscribe risk free!
A non-trading organisation which is sponsored by the copper producers and fabricators to encourage and promote the correct and efficient use of copper and its alloys such as brass and bronze. It provi...
A non-trading organisation which is sponsored by the copper producers and fabricators to encourage and promote the correct and efficient use of copper and its alloys such as brass and bronze. It provides technical advice and information in the form of publications, software, a free online enquiry service and website.

Online resources of use in conservation include data sheets on the principal alloys, technical information on patination and guidance on roofing details from the publication Copper Roofing in Detail - see https://copperalliance.org.uk/knowledge-base/resource-library/pub-156-copper-roofing-detail/.
  1.   Wrought Ironwork Services
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The Coode Conservation Partnership (formerly Heritage Blacksmith Partnership) brings together a team of experienced and qualified metal conservators as a response to the growing recognition that the c...
The Coode Conservation Partnership (formerly Heritage Blacksmith Partnership) brings together a team of experienced and qualified metal conservators as a response to the growing recognition that the conservation and restoration of historic metalwork is a specialist area.

Drawing on our backgrounds in traditional blacksmithing, fabrication, fine metalworking and conservation we blend these skill bases to provide both conservation services and modern metalwork for a variety of contexts.

Specialists in both ferrous and non-ferrous metal conservation for the UK heritage industry, we offer sensible, sensitive and responsible conservation and restoration of important metalwork. Our extensive metalworking experience allied with a firm knowledge of conservation principles means that clients involved in heritage conservation can be assured that all our projects will be undertaken to the highest craft and conservation standards.

We work with a diverse range of clients, varying from large contractors on complex listed building conservation projects to one off projects for individual clients. Examples of completed projects can be found throughout our website.

We are often involved in projects from beginning to end, reflecting the fact that our specialist skills can be utilised at all stages of a project. Our skills and experience are regularly called on when writing tenders and specifications, we may liaise with other craftsmen (e.g. stonemasons) to co-ordinate and carry out the installation of metalwork – often one of the last stages of the conservation or redevelopment of a site. Our commitment to traditional quality of workmanship and our informed knowledge of modern conservation practice is what drives us to deliver the highest standard of conservation and restoration of heritage metalwork, as well as the design and making of new metalwork.

From our traditionally equipped blacksmith’s workshop to our clean painting and conservation warehouse, your conservation or new build metalwork project is in the hands of skilled metalworkers and conservation specialists.

Our forge is located in Miserden in the Gloucestershire countryside. It is based in a 19th century Cotswold stone barn, which was converted to a forge in 1967.
  1.   Organisations
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A teaching and research library containing just over a million photographs and reproductions of historic architecture, architectural drawings and publications, sculpture, metalwork, stained glass, tex...
A teaching and research library containing just over a million photographs and reproductions of historic architecture, architectural drawings and publications, sculpture, metalwork, stained glass, textiles, wall-paintings, panel paintings and illuminated manuscripts.

The heart of the Conway Library is the private collection of Lord Conway of Allington, which came to The Courtauld Institute of Art in 1932. Since then, the Library has been developed continuously as a teaching and research collection.

It now contains over one million images: photographs and cuttings of world architecture, architectural drawings and publications, sculpture, ivories, seals, metalwork, manuscript illumination, stained glass, wall paintings, panel paintings and textiles.

The library is open to visitors Mon - Fri, 1pm - 5.30pm (closed at Easter and Christmas/ New Year). There is a charge for using the library; no appointment necessary.

  1.   Organisations
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The Construction History Society is a registered charity devoted to the promotion and study of the history of construction. It aims to identify and protect sources of information and archives related...
The Construction History Society is a registered charity devoted to the promotion and study of the history of construction. It aims to identify and protect sources of information and archives related to construction history and to organise and sponsor events and publications that help achieve these aims. It has members from all over the world.
Our mission

We live and work in, use and visit buildings created in the recent and more distant past. We view them as examples of design styles but there is more to them than just appearance. How were they built and why?

What techniques did their builders employ?
What materials were used?
How much did they cost?
What lessons can be learnt from them?

Unfortunately we know all too little about these questions because the original plans and methods of building and costs have often been lost. Refurbishment and remodeling projects would find these records of great practical value. Past techniques and materials can be applied in modern projects. But if the records do not exist, we cannot learn from them. And what of today’s buildings and construction projects? They too will one day become part of history. Will our successors ask the same questions, and similarly be unable to answer. The Construction History Society exists to focus the attention of the construction industry and associated professions on the importance of preserving the records of our built environment so that they are available to future historians, planners and craftsmen. As a member, you can help with this valuable task.
Who are we?

Members of the Society come from all backgrounds and include those who worked on building sites, architects , engineers and surveyors, conservation professionals, archaeologists, academics from various disciplines and people with no particular connection with the building industry who just find the subject fascinating.

The Society is a registered charity. It has no paid staff and is run entirely by volunteers from amongst its members in the form of a Committee elected each year at the Annual General Meeting.
  1.   Conservators
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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...
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.
  1.   Architects
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Conservation PD (Planning + Design) The practice offers comprehensive architect / conservation architect and conservation consultant expertise, which has achieved national awards. We offer full ar...
Conservation PD (Planning + Design)

The practice offers comprehensive architect / conservation architect and conservation consultant expertise, which has achieved national awards. We offer full architect / conservation architect services from project inception to completion on site, as well as consultancy services to other practices and their clients. Services include:

HISTORIC BUILDINGS + CONTEXTS

- the repair, re-use and extension of listed buildings;
- sensitive designs in the historic environment (historic settings, conservation areas, designated and undesignated contexts of significance);

INTERIORS + REFURBISHMENT

- the repair and restoration of historic interiors;
- the introduction of contemporary elements in historic interiors that reconcile the historic with the contemporary;
- the remodelling of historic interiors to provide for contemporary re-use, in a manner that does not detract from the special interest of the listed building while providing for contemporary use expectation;
- the design of bespoke fitted furniture in appropriate contemporary or historic styles;

CONSULTANCIES + APPRAISALS

- the research and production of the full range of documents that assist the appraisal and management of the historic environment, such as Options Appraisals, Conservation Plans, Proposals Justification Statements, Assessments of Asset Significance, Design Guidance;
- client advice and negotiations with Statutory Authorities on all matters of Planning Consents (e. g. Planning Permission, Listed Building Consent, Conservation Area Consent), Listed Building Fire Safety and compliance with Approved Documents (Building Regulations Approvals);
- townscape regeneration, buildings at risk and grants;

APPEALS

- the full range of appeals (written representations, informal hearing, public inquiry);

MONUMENTS

- assessments and recommendations.
  1.   Building Conservation
  2.    Public
From St Govan’s Chapel in south Pembrokeshire to Howsham Hall in north Yorkshire, via elegant Dublin town houses and impressive college chapels, from heavy construction to fine interiors; since the ne...
From St Govan’s Chapel in south Pembrokeshire to Howsham Hall in north Yorkshire, via elegant Dublin town houses and impressive college chapels, from heavy construction to fine interiors; since the new millennium cbs have delivered works of outstanding quality, building a reputation that we now believe is second to none.

At Cbs we’ve deliberately maintained a small company profile with company directors regularly in attendance on projects, and often running our sites; that means our considerable expertise and experience is precisely where its needed most, on site; keeping it small allows us to provide our clients with a level of personal attention rarely found in larger organisations; and time and again, we deliver exceptional quality, value for money and a level of service that often significantly exceeds that of our clients expectations.

Regardless of size or status, If you have a building conservation project and you think we can assist, we’d be delighted to hear from yo
  1.   Organisations
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English Heritage (officially the English Heritage Trust) is a charity that manages over 400 historic monuments, buildings and places. These include prehistoric sites, medieval castles, Roman forts and...
English Heritage (officially the English Heritage Trust) is a charity that manages over 400 historic monuments, buildings and places. These include prehistoric sites, medieval castles, Roman forts and country houses.

The charity uses these properties to "bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year". Within its portfolio are Stonehenge, Dover Castle, Tintagel Castle and the best preserved parts of Hadrian's Wall. English Heritage also manages the London Blue Plaque scheme, which links influential historical figures to particular buildings.

When originally formed in 1983, English Heritage was the operating name of an executive non-departmental public body of the British Government, officially titled the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, that ran the national system of heritage protection and managed a range of historic properties. It was created to combine the roles of existing bodies that had emerged from a long period of state involvement in heritage protection. In 1999 the organisation merged with the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England and the National Monuments Record, bringing together resources for the identification and survey of England's historic environment.

On 1 April 2015, English Heritage was divided into two parts: Historic England, which inherited the statutory and protection functions of the old organisation, and the new English Heritage Trust, a charity that would operate the historic properties, and which took on the English Heritage operating name and logo. The British government gave the new charity an £80 million grant to help establish it as an independent trust, although the historic properties remained in the ownership of the state.
  1.   Building Conservation
  2.    Public
Alan Conisbee & Associates was founded September 1982 in the back bedroom of Alan Conisbee’s north London flat, offering elegant and practical engineering services. Two years later, Chris Boydell join...
Alan Conisbee & Associates was founded September 1982 in the back bedroom of Alan Conisbee’s north London flat, offering elegant and practical engineering services. Two years later, Chris Boydell joined Alan as an enthusiastic young engineer and the practice begins to grow. Soon after, the first office opens on Compton Road, Highbury Corner with six engineers.

The practice grows quickly in the mid 80’s as London started to boom. The Almeida Theatre becomes Conisbee’s first arts, and now oldest client. Tim Attwood joins as a fresh faced, recently Chartered Engineer, in 1986 bringing with him some more modern design tools including the practice’s first computer.

The first partnership was created in 1988 with Alan and Chris, a short time later Tim joined the board and the office moves to our current home in Offord Street in 1989. The practice has grown to 20 members of staff.

The early 90’s recession see’s Conisbee building up clients within the arts and hospitality sectors. Conisbee expertise in conservation also evolves with repair and refurbishment of important mid 20th century buildings.

Bob Stagg joined the practice in 1998 to take on this work and it has continued to develop ever since.

During the mid to late 90’s Conisbee begin working on an increasing number and scale of inner city housing developments.

The practice incorporated in 2000 and Bob joined Alan, Chris and Tim as a Director. The early 2000’s was a period of steady growth in 2004 Tom Beaven became a Director in 2004 and took over leading the marketing responsibilities.

The company’s energy efficiency ambitions began to formulate in 2002 when they helped establish the specialist low-carbon engineering consultancy XCo2. Since then Conisbee have continued to promote the reduction of a building’s carbon usage through choices of construction material and design including the potential uses of MMC and efficiencies of offsite construction. In 2007 Conisbee joined the Islington Sustainability Partnership back when it launched, and has continued to focus on carbon reduction and net Zero targets as a practice and across the construction industry.

Conisbee heavily promoted MMC and the practice worked with several manufactures on numerous housing and education projects. The practice won its first international project in 2007, and this becomes their first year at MIPIM. This

By 2008 the practice had 90 staff.

Conisbee opened its Norwich office in 2012 and following the success of this the Cambridge office was opened in 2014. This allowed the Civil Engineering team to grow steadily with an increasing scale and diversity of projects around housing or redevelopment sites in London and East Anglia.

As Conisbee approached the mid decade, with three of the original directors in their 60’s, a long term succession plan was implemented. In 2015 Allan Dunsmore, Paul Hartfree and Richard Dobson became Directors. Alan Conisbee stepped down in 2016 with Tim Attwood taking over as MD. Alan retired in 2017 followed by Chris Boydell in 2018 and Bob Stagg in 2020. Ben Heath became a Director in 2019 and Kevin Clark in 2021.

The Conisbee Heritage team has also seen significant growth and now work on some very well-known public buildings with Conservation Accredited Engineers (CARE) specialising in the inspection, appraisal, repair and adaptation of historic structures and sites of all types throughout the United Kingdom.

Arts work, particularly in theatres has also grown steadily and we now work for all the main London theatre owners.

However housing work continues to be the bedrock of the practice workload and has developed to suit the demands of the market. From mid rise inner-city densification, to towers, green field development sites, student housing, subterranean development and now rooftop extensions. The last few years have been tricky to navigate with the referendum, Brexit and now the pandemic knocking confidence at different times and triggering many other changes to both the industry and the wider world of work. When the pandemic began the practice acted quickly and decisively to adapt to the changed circumstances, so now in the summer 2021 is in a strong position with an increasing order book and effective systems to tackle whatever the future holds for us.
  1.   Organisations
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The Commonwealth Heritage Forum is an innovative new membership organisation open to all those interested in sharing in the conservation of the built heritage of the Commonwealth. We welcome membershi...
The Commonwealth Heritage Forum is an innovative new membership organisation open to all those interested in sharing in the conservation of the built heritage of the Commonwealth. We welcome membership from individuals, heritage bodies and trusts, professional practitioners and academic institutions.

The Forum subscribes to the principles and core values of the Commonwealth while working with partners to raise awareness through education and improving livelihoods by sharing skills and expertise. It has an important role to play in meeting certain Sustainable Development Goals in particular, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13 Climate Action. By reusing and adapting the legacy of the past to meet 21st century requirements, best use can be made of the embodied energy which buildings contain reducing the carbon footprint of new development while revitalising historic neighbourhoods and existing communities. The creation of buildings and settings, by architects, engineers and craftsmen from myriad cultures generated a fusion of architectural traditions across the Commonwealth that are united in their diversity and creativity. This is a heritage shared by the whole Commonwealth.

Our interests embrace all aspects of our shared built environment from industrial archaeology to the conservation of historic buildings, areas, structures and man-made landscapes of all periods.

Some of the shared built heritage of the Commonwealth is a significant component of the infrastructure of many countries. In many places this is highly valued, but sometimes it is contested and its cultural value questioned. The Forum believes that by inviting individuals and organisations in Commonwealth countries to connect, there is scope for multiple narratives and for sharing perceptions, knowledge and experience to promote understanding and respect for the cultural sensitivities of all its peoples.

The Forum has the potential to draw together many widely-dispersed organisations and individuals. By sharing expertise, best practice and common solutions to common problems, we can help each other recognise opportunities for conservation-led regeneration, sustainable economic growth, skills development, training and youth programmes.
Colorado Construction is an engineering, construction and finishes business based in Scotland, with a specialisation in listed buildings, bespoke luxury homes, and the design and build of distilleries...
Colorado Construction is an engineering, construction and finishes business based in Scotland, with a specialisation in listed buildings, bespoke luxury homes, and the design and build of distilleries and visitor centres.

Colorado Construction has been successful in receiving a share of £10m in government funding to boost decarbonisation research and development in distilleries. We are specifically exploring hydrogen and dual hydrogen / biofuel burners for distilleries, and conversion of waste distillery draff and pot ale into a gasification-gas. Read further details here.

We are building a unique vertical distillery on nine levels in Edinburgh. The Port of Leith Distillery will create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors, showcasing the full whisky life cycle up close.

We believe in working in an ‘open book’ manner and aim to provide demonstrable value throughout the construction and engineering process. Our success with this approach, where our people take an ‘ownership’ approach to our projects, is demonstrated by our high level of repeat business. Our remaining workload is secured under selective competitive tender.
  1.   Organisations
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Slate? - Collyweston stone slate is a fissile limestone from the Jurassic period (140-190 million years ago) and is not a true slate. It can be split along natural cleavage lines, however, which is th...
Slate? - Collyweston stone slate is a fissile limestone from the Jurassic period (140-190 million years ago) and is not a true slate. It can be split along natural cleavage lines, however, which is the similarity between Collyweston and true slates. It is named after the village of Collyweston, in Northampton, which lies in the centre of the area in which the slate is quarried, and has been used as a roofing material since Roman times. From the middle ages until the 19th century it was used on almost all buildings within ten miles of the quarries and on prestigious buildings further afield. The advent of the railways meant that imported Welsh slate became cheap, and its impermeability meant that it was suitable for use on the fashionably lower pitched roofs. From the late 19th century Collyweston stone slating fell into decline - by the 1970's the craft was dying out. Fortunately, the durability of the slate and its attractive appearance, coupled with the protection of buildings with Collyweston roofs, has meant that building owners continue to demand the material and the craft has therefore survived.
Today's Threats

Today, there are three main threats facing Collyweston stone slate. Firstly, it is under threat from the variety of alternative roofing materials available, many of which are cheaper to lay in the short term but not as durable in the longer term. Secondly, some roofing companies offer a free roof in a cheaper material in return for the Collyweston stone slate in order to obtain a second-hand supply of the material, and thirdly, the roofs of many unprotected buildings are stripped to provide salvage slate for use on roofs elsewhere. These latter practices are particularly damaging to the Collyweston trade because they reduce the demand for newly quarried stone slate, making it economically unviable and not competitively priced, and once lost, it is unlikely that a Collyweston roof would ever be replaced. If the demand for the material reduces, the skilled slaters will no longer be able train apprentices and the craft will die out.
Production

The process of producing stone slate is a time-consuming activity, dependent on the weather and requiring great skill. From Roman times to the 17th century, most of the slate used was obtained from outcropping rock or from the by-product of other quarrying activity. An increasing demand led to the excavating of slate using open-cast methods and by 1633 there were open Fits at Collyweston. This was not a wholly satisfactory method, however, as the slate needs to retain sap in order to be split by frost action, so quarrying only takes place during six weeks in December and January.

A second method of extraction was to quarry the slate below ground via tunnels, shafts and adits known as 'fox holes'. Working conditions were cramped,, with the workmen having to lie on their sides due to poor headroom. They would pick away at the rock and sand which lay under the stone slate - working the face in this way was called 'foxing'. Columns of ragstone were left to support the ceiling, with pit props being used in later quarries. Occasionally the workman would tap the rock close to his head to check it was safe to progress along the face. When the ceiling was about to collapse, a series of clicks, known as 'talking', would be heard. Ideally, it would be ready to collapse at the end of a days foxing, and the workmen would retreat knocking the supports down as they went. The mass would then fall to the floor, hopefully breaking into easily managed pieces. If the ceiling did not collapse, steel wedges would be driven into it with a 'lions tail' (an iron bar) which would then be used to lever the ceiling away.

The rocks, known as 'logs', were loaded into barrows, or 'shims' and hauled out. It is vital that the stone remains damp so that the freeze-thaw action of the frost will initiate splitting. At the surface, the logs were laid out on a bed of shale, called the 'patch', to allow air underneath. The log would be watered until the initial frost split was visible. In mild winters, when the log had not split, it was pied', that is laid in a pit and covered in wet earth to prevent drying, and brought back up to the surface again for splitting the following winter. Even today, slaters are still reliant on the frost to spilt the log.
  1.   Stonework & Masonry
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Collins and Curtis have been producing high quality stone products since 1925. We directly employ dedicated master craftsmen with decades of experience, so combine traditional methods of masonry with ...
Collins and Curtis have been producing high quality stone products since 1925. We directly employ dedicated master craftsmen with decades of experience, so combine traditional methods of masonry with new techniques to provide the highest quality stone products.

We supply bespoke architectural, ecclesiastical and memorial stonemasonry, as well as cills, copings, fireplaces, flooring, kitchen and bathroom tops and other items unique to your home or building.

Collins and Curtis offer a complete service from survey to installation as either main or subcontractor. We have a reputation for providing quality products at competitive prices and are focused on caring for our customers, to ensure they are delighted with the products and service they receive.

Our highly skilled stonemasons convert limestone and sandstone blocks from many quarries, into a variety of products. We supply all types of natural stonemasonry using both British and imported Limestones, Sandstones, Granite and Marble to restore existing and construct new structures. Working from our purpose-built factory in Ipswich, Suffolk our masons produce high quality bespoke natural stone products from blocks of stone (up to approximately 4m3 and weighing 10 tonnes) which are cut to size using our primary, secondary and profiling saws. All work is hand finished in our workshop.

Recent projects include Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, St Albans Cathedral, Westminster and Gonville & Caius Colleges in Cambridge and numerous churches in East Anglia.
  1.   Organisations
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The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) believes old buildings have a future. From cottages to castles and from churches to cathedrals we are here to help buildings and the people w...
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) believes old buildings have a future. From cottages to castles and from churches to cathedrals we are here to help buildings and the people who care for them. Through our unique training schemes, courses, advice and research we help people put our expertise into practice.

Founded by William Morris in 1877, the SPAB was established in response to the work of Victorian architects whose enthusiasm for harmful restoration caused irreparable damage. Today the SPAB encourages excellence in new design to enrich and complement the built historic environment. We train new generations of architectural professionals and building craftspeople to shape this landscape with sensitivity and skill, and we play a statutory role as adviser to local planning authorities. In our casework we campaign actively to protect old buildings at risk.
  1.   Organisations
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The Cockburn Association (Edinburgh's Civic Trust) is one of the world's oldest[1] architectural conservation and urban planning monitoring organisations, founded in 1875. The Scottish judge Henry Coc...
The Cockburn Association (Edinburgh's Civic Trust) is one of the world's oldest[1] architectural conservation and urban planning monitoring organisations, founded in 1875. The Scottish judge Henry Cockburn (1779–1854) was a prominent campaigner to protect and enhance the beauty of Edinburgh, notably resisting construction of new buildings on the south side of Princes Street. The association was founded in 1875 to continue the legacy of his work.

Since 1991, the organisation has been responsible for Edinburgh's annual Doors Open Day scheme. The first major campaign by the association was to resist the removal of trees at Bruntsfield Links and the association has campaigned for the retention and improvement of Edinburgh's open and green spaces ever since. The association successfully resisted plans to build an inner city motorway system in Edinburgh in 1965
Cobb & Company is a structural engineering consultancy based in East London, specialising in refurbishment, conservation and detailed modern structures. Work ranges from small domestic alterations to ...
Cobb & Company is a structural engineering consultancy based in East London, specialising in refurbishment, conservation and detailed modern structures. Work ranges from small domestic alterations to projects around £5m construction value, with support on larger commissions being provided by an agile network of trusted collaborators.

Founder and principal Fiona Cobb is a structural engineer with extensive experience working on residential, religious, education, community and arts buildings worth between £0.1m and £14m. Fiona worked for award winning Price & Myers for 22 years from 1997, including 15 as an Associate, resulting in a broad portfolio of work. She founded Cobb and Company in 2019 and was featured in The Structural Engineer magazine here.

Fiona says: "I have had the pleasure of working on a diverse range of projects; both in size and scope. I particularly enjoy breathing new life into old buildings and it is a delight to work on projects where the structure is integrated with the architecture. I'm lucky to have worked on buildings of national and cultural significance, which have won national awards and been published in architectural journals."

Author of the Structural Engineer's Pocket Book by Routledge, first published in 2003 and now in its 3rd edition, with over 36,000 copies sold. Recommended text for over 60 university courses across 16 countries. Since 2017 the book has featured in the structural engineering display in the Mathematics Gallery of London's Science Museum.
The importance of using the correct methods and materials when repairing old buildings is often underestimated; Cob Solutions was created to ensure that our old buildings are repaired with longevity i...
The importance of using the correct methods and materials when repairing old buildings is often underestimated; Cob Solutions was created to ensure that our old buildings are repaired with longevity in mind. The majority of the houses we encounter have outlived several generations and with the correct care they should be able to out live several more.

Having worked solely with these types of building from day one, we bring a technical understanding and empathy to our work which is focused on what your building needs. We have an eye for natural and traditional character and will never try and make something what it is not.

Real world attitude. We understand that undertaking what is sometimes required to be a significant building project is not always financially and logistically practical . In this respect, we will never cut corners in the work we do, but will discuss the options available to prioritise the issues at play with a mind to working around the needs of our customer. We will always start with the ultimate best case solution and work from there.

If you are reading this because you are interested in the work we do, then you will likely have heard of cob buildings in your locality which have collapsed suddenly and without warning. This is a serious concern for most cob buildings as that behaviour is the product of the materials organic composition. We can identify the symptoms of this problem and will never ‘beat around the bush’ when discussing worst case scenarios. I believe many collapses could have been foreseen, prepared for and maybe even prevented if the correct understanding and approach was taken.

Nature verses Nurture. We are not ‘purists’ despite our passion for traditional buildings, so we can use our modern understanding to combine the use of traditional and contemporary methods and materials to provide long lasting and sympathetic repairs.

Please visit the cob and lime page to read a little about the most common problems with traditionally built buildings. If you are experiencing a problem which doesn’t seem to fit in then don’t despair, visit our cob consulting page or give Jack a call.

We are interested to hear about any type of traditional building work and specialise in the following areas:

- Cob repairs. Problems with cob. (movement, slumping, cracking, collapsed).
- Damp cob walls, Symptoms of damp.
- Mass cob and cob block new build construction.
- Lath and plaster.
- Lime rendering.
- Internal lime plastering/ fine lime plastering.
- Lime pointing.
- Breathable paint finishes.
- Associated timber and stone work.
- Solid oak character floors.
- Limecrete breathable floors.
  1.   Conservators
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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 consiste...
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.
  1.   Windows and rooflights
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At Clement we are experts in steel window fenestration. We offer residential clients and building professionals a choice of high quality steel windows, doors and screens, tailor-made to your specific ...
At Clement we are experts in steel window fenestration. We offer residential clients and building professionals a choice of high quality steel windows, doors and screens, tailor-made to your specific requirements, together with a popular collection of conservation rooflights.

We provide a complete service – from the provision of technical drawings through to manufacture, installation and after sales support – whether your project is a traditional restoration project, one involving Listed Buildings or Conservation Areas, or a new build. We specialise in replacement windows for heritage projects, yet our windows are the solution for most schemes where metal windows are required.

Our previous work includes prestigious steel window projects across the UK and in the USA and our range of rooflights, which are available from stock, are popular in several European countries. We are delighted that so many of our clients come back to us again and again because they know they will not find a better product anywhere else.

Choose Clement and you will enjoy technologically advanced, low maintenance steel windows which will meet the latest performance requirements for insulation, weatherproofing and security and which will last for many years.

All of our windows are sensitively crafted to the highest standards in our own ISO 9001 approved factory. The process of manufacturing a steel window – from rolling into shape and welding to hot dip galvanising and powder coat painting - is a complex one which takes time and attention to ensure the end product is the standard people have come to expect from Clement.
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