Conservation Consultancy: Specifications


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	Specifications



	Many fine ironwork objects can be repaired by a proficient blacksmith, but a conservation input is often required in order to specify correct treatment in terms of conservation ethics and to satisfy the requirements of grant funding bodies and English Heritage. We can assist you in this process by carrying out a condition survey of the ironwork followed by a budget estimate for the work required, which enables you to apply for grant funding. We can then supply detailed specifications and other information necessary for tender documents, and we can assist in identifying suitable blacksmiths. This can be followed up, if desired, by our monitoring the progress of the successful contractor and generally giving ongoing advice to both client and contractor. We can also provide you with advice on historic surface coatings, paint analysis and a detailed specification for suitable paint systems for any painted metal object, followed by information on the correct maintenance regime.


EXAMPLE:	CLIVEDEN HOUSE IRONWORK
location:	Taplow, Buckinghamshire
client:	The National Trust
		As part of our role as External Metalwork Conservation Advisor to the National Trust for England and Wales, we provide generic specifications and guidelines for the conservation and maintenance of the Trust's historic ironwork. In addition to this, in recent years we have written several bespoke specification documents for the purposes of tendering restoration works to fine ironwork, including the Orangery Gates, Main Driveway Screens and Stableyard Gates at Cliveden.
	Before conservation
EXAMPLE:	TYNTESFIELD
location:	Wraxall, North Somerset
client:	The National Trust
		Other examples of recent bespoke specification documents written for the National Trust include gates at Ickworth, Petworth and Tyntesfield.
	Before conservation
EXAMPLE:	CITY OF LONDON IRONWORK
location:	City Open Spaces
client:	City of London Corporation
		We wrote a general conservation policy intended to form the background to a programme of appropriate monitoring, maintenance and conservation of significant ironwork with the City of London. We also identified which elements of ironwork should be considered significant and historic and should therefore fall within the conservation policy treatment parameters.
	Before conservation
EXAMPLE:	BURLINGTON HOUSE IRONWORK
location:	Piccadilly, London
client:	HOK International
		We were consulted on the repair and redecoration of the decorative gates, railings and lamp standards at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London. We produced a full Specification of Works which was used as part of the tender document for the contract, detailing the methods and materials to be used, and covering all the Health & Safety aspects of the work with which the contractor was required to comply. The ironwork has now been restored by a blacksmith selected by the client.
	Before conservation

EXAMPLE:	ORWELL SCHOOL GATES
location:	Suffolk
client:	Orwell School
		The school was required to conform to English Heritage standards in the restoration of these Grade II (Listed) 18th-century gates. We carried out an inspection and provided the full specification and tender documents. The gates have now been restored by a blacksmith selected by the client.
	Before conservation
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