Ellis and Co Restoration

Masonry and Conservation

Ellis & Co have an established reputation of excellence in the field of masonry.

We work the stone from the time it arrives from the quarry until it is fixed in situ. Once it has arrived at our yard, the stone undergoes sawing, carving and dressing by our specialist staff in our purpose built workshop.

Experience teaches our banker masons to recognise the natural beds in the stone, allowing them to shape the stone to work sympathetically with the building. We also work on hand carved statues.

Conservation

Headed by Sean Clarke (MSc in Building Conservation). We are able to offer consultancy and on site works as follows:

  • Micro pinning
  • Insitu lime mortar repairs
  • Shelter coating
  • Mortar Analysis

At Ellis & Co conservation encompasses every aspect of our work and we take an informed conservation approach to any work we undertake on a historic building or monument.

Our projects are managed with the highest respect for the past and traditional techniques united with research, experience and skill.

Interview with Sean Clarke, head of conservation at Ellis & Co

Q: How did you get into conservation work?

A: I trained as a stonemason initially at Bath college and was trained in the traditional methods, then I took a masters degree in Architectural Material Conservation.

Q: What conservation philosophies do you employ in your work?

Fundamentally we believe in minimal intervention affecting the historic fabric. We're not keen on modern materials in historic buildings, such as resin because the results are unpredictable and not sympathetic.

We also believe that all work undertaken should be reversible and I believe in learning specific techniques to get a certain finish.

Q: Does Ellis and Co take a conservation approach to all work, like stonemasonry for example?

Stonemasonry and conservation go hand in hand. Conservation is about knowledge and understanding of what you have and what work has happened before. Over time you acquire the skills to increase your understanding of different materials, how best to work with them and how they are affected by different conditions.

Pinnacle Base Langford Manor extension Winchester Cathedral New Blue Lias floor Avebury stone circle

Carving

Sean Clarke, our head of masonry, can be seen here carving a half size statue which was commissioned by Llandaff Cathedral.

Sean Clarke, head of conservation

On site fixing

We are able to undertake very complex restoration projects such as Dundas Aqueduct as shown below for which we were awarded a commendation from The Historic Bridges and Infrastructure Awards.

The Dundas aqueduct

Cutting and Sawing

We have our own masonry saws able to cut virtually any size block.

Banker masonry

General carving of gargoyles, pinnacles etc.

Stone cleaning

From Joss/Torc and Doff to traditional poulticing and nebulous water sprays.

Restoration to Sherborne Abbey

Restoration to Sherborne Abbey

This is a before and after shot of the restoration work carried out by our own conservators at Sherborne Abbey.