Repair & conservation

The right materials and the right process

Most of our funding is spent on core repair and conservation work to ensure, as far as possible, that our churches are structurally sound, weathertight and well presented for visitors.

We generally do not restore features that are missing, but rather conserve what has been passed into our guardianship.

We accept that we cannot stop decay, only slow it down. Conservation, for us, is the art of managing this process.

Our guiding principles:

• Only the minimum necessary is done in order to extend the life of the building
• Protective elements, which shield more sensitive features, are given priority and we may make discrete changes to make the original piece last longer
• Traditional materials like stone, lime and lead, are used in preference to modern materials like concrete, cement and stainless steel. Traditional materials are compatible with the original, tend to last longer and encourage continuing skills and craftsmanship
• New work is made to fit the existing feature, rather than the other way round
• Conserve what exists rather than restore to a previous time. Many past alterations at our churches are of great social and historic interest 
• Carry out sensible programmes of repair that provide value for money, always bearing in mind our principle to do only the minimum work necesssary
• Include archaeological investigation and recording, where appropriate, to develop understanding and to guide further work
• Obtain specialist advice where needed and develop technical policies to provide a consistent level of care

By following these principles and obtaining high quality specifications and workmanship, we continue to build on our reputation as an organisation that invests in our historic churches in a way that ensures their long-term future.

 

Read about some of our current repair projects