Conservation
Churches
I am a conservation architect with over thirty years' experience of making repairs and alterations to churches, including many listed Grade I and Grade II*. I am Inspecting Architect for over 40 parish churches in the Ely, St Albans, Chelmsford and Peterborough Dioceses. This involves carrying out inspections every five years (quinquennial inspections) and advising the church on subsequent repair programmes.
I am registered with Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) and I am also an RIBA Specialist Conservation Architect (RIBA SCA).
St Bene't's Cambridge:
I have been inspecting architect at St Bene’t’s, the oldest building in Cambridge, since 2016. I carried out the 2018 quinquennial and oversaw the design and construction of the new access ramp and improved North Porch entrance. The project also included new lighting and decorations and is part of an ongoing project to improve the facilities and make the church more welcoming to parishioners and visitors alike.
St Marks Cambridge:
Pictured below is the Narthex extension, at St Marks in Newnham, Cambridge. It was a Millennium project to improve the entrance experience, and accessibility, at the church. The project included an oak minstrels' gallery inside the west end for music and performances. I also designed and oversaw improvements to the church hall and community centre behind the church.
St Botolphs Hadstock:
I have been architect to St Botolph’s Hadstock for nearly 10 years. The church is largely Saxon, thought to be built in around 1020 by King Cnut to celebrate his victory in the nearby Battle of Assandun. The north door (below left) is reputably almost as old, although the claim that it is covered with the skin of a murdered Dane has been proved to be false!
The internal plaster in the nave was in very poor condition at low level and was replaced with a lime plaster and the whole nave redecorated with limewash. The ceiling too had to be replaced with lath and plaster. During preparatory works fragments of a wall painting were discovered on the south wall (below right) which have now been carefully conserved by well-known conservator Tobit Curteis. The painting is thought to date from the 12th century and may represent the face of Jesus.
