Lime is at the core of our craft, and we are proud to be specialists in the full range of traditional and heritage lime works. Our services include lime pointing, lime plastering, lath and plaster, stucco and render repairs, decorative mouldings, and polished finishes. We have extensive experience with all types of lime—natural hydraulic (NHL), non-hydraulic (lime putty), and hot mixed lime—allowing us to select and apply the most suitable materials for the specific requirements of each project, whether it be exposed external masonry, fine internal finishes, or conservation-grade repairs. From hand-applied haired base coats on timber laths to the careful restoration of stucco façades and detailed cornices, our work is guided by an understanding of the building’s fabric and a commitment to breathability, longevity, and historical accuracy.
Our master plasterer brings over 40 years of lime expertise, having worked on everything from humble vernacular buildings to nationally significant heritage sites. He now leads a family team spanning three generations—his son and grandson working alongside him, with his grandson having recently completed his apprenticeship with Taliesin, under his careful mentorship. This continuity of knowledge ensures that our techniques are rooted in tradition but delivered with precision and pride. Our team is skilled in everything from running moulds in situ, to creating true lime scagliola, to applying polished plaster and stucco lucido. We understand the seasonal rhythms of lime work, the subtleties of curing, and the importance of proper preparation and aftercare.
Whether you’re looking to restore a crumbling gable, repair internal plaster after damp ingress, or reinstate the original character of a period property, we bring not only the right materials but the right mindset—conservation-focused, quality-driven, and built on generations of lime craftsmanship.
We approach our masonry work with the care, precision, and deep understanding that only comes from years of hands-on experience. We undertake all forms of specialist masonry repair and conservation, including mortar repairs, armature (pinning and dowelling) repairs, indents, and, where necessary, full stone replacements. Our work is guided by the principle of minimal intervention—preserving as much of the original fabric as possible while ensuring long-term stability and visual harmony. Every repair is approached with sensitivity to the building’s history, character, and material integrity.
We work with a wide variety of stone types, including limestones, sandstones, and granites, and have a comprehensive knowledge of their properties, compatibilities, and weathering behaviours. Our team carefully matches replacement stones not just by colour, but by grain, texture, density, and performance, ensuring our interventions are both visually and structurally appropriate. For precision replacements—such as moulded or carved elements—we offer advanced 3D scanning and profiling services, allowing us to replicate worn or missing features to exacting standards while reducing time on site and minimising disruption to historic fabric.
Our master mason trained at the prestigious Bath School of Stone Carving and has brought that calibre of craftsmanship to each project for over three decades. From delicate tracery repairs to robust cornice rebuilds, from ashlar dressing to rubble wall consolidation, our team combines traditional stonemasonry techniques with modern conservation technology. We work across historic and listed buildings, monuments, churches, and period homes, ensuring every stone we repair or replace is in keeping with the building’s original intent.
Whether stabilising a weathered elevation, reinstating architectural detail, or addressing structural failures, our masonry services are defined by accuracy, respect for heritage, and a deep-rooted passion for stone.
Our bespoke joinery and carpentry team bring craftsmanship, precision, and a deep respect for traditional building methods to every project we undertake. With our own fully equipped joinery workshop, we are able to produce custom elements to exacting standards—whether that’s replicating historic mouldings, crafting new hardwood doors, or constructing full green oak roof trusses. We are skilled in working with both softwoods and hardwoods and have a strong knowledge of historic and native timbers, enabling us to source and match appropriate replacements with care and accuracy. Whether we’re repairing a 300-year-old beam or manufacturing a new sash window to match an original, our team always works in line with conservation principles—repairing over replacing wherever possible, and only renewing fabric where absolutely necessary.
Our joiners and carpenters are just as comfortable on-site as they are in the workshop. They undertake everything from structural timber repairs using traditional jointing methods, to the hand-finishing of fine interior joinery. We specialise in the conservation and reinstatement of period features such as timber cornices, architraves, casement and sash windows, panelled doors, and staircases. We also carry out more complex work such as splicing repairs, scarf joints, and bespoke replication of decayed or missing elements—all crafted to blend seamlessly with the existing fabric.
With decades of combined experience, our team works across listed buildings, heritage sites, and sensitive refurbishments, bringing with them not only technical skill but a strong understanding of architectural context and detail. Whether you require conservation-led timber repairs, traditional roof carpentry, or custom joinery built from the ground up, our workshop and on-site teams deliver with consistency, care, and craftsmanship. From oak to Douglas fir, elm to pine, we understand wood—and how to make it last for generations to come.
Our lead plumbing services are second to none, offering both the skill and expertise needed for every aspect of leadwork—from simple flashing redress to intricate, ornate weathering details on roofs and spires. Lead is a traditional material we’ve worked with for decades, and our lead plumber brings a wealth of experience to every project. Having dedicated his entire working life to working with lead, he has recently completed his SAP Level 3 Heritage Lead qualification with us, ensuring that our team stays at the forefront of industry best practices in heritage conservation.
We handle all aspects of lead plumbing with precision, including the redressing of lead flashings, the installation of welts and codes, and the fabrication of bespoke leadwork details for both historic and contemporary buildings. Whether it’s the meticulous detailing required for a delicate roofline or the complex work of repairing or replacing leadwork on church spires and towers, our team ensures both the aesthetic integrity and functionality of the installation. Our lead plumber is skilled in lead welding, which allows us to carry out permanent, watertight repairs and seamless connections that ensure long-lasting performance.
We understand the unique properties of lead and its role in protecting the structural integrity of buildings. From custom lead roofs to heritage detailing, we ensure that all our leadwork is completed to the highest standards, with an emphasis on both durability and historical accuracy. We are proud to be part of the ongoing preservation of our built heritage, bringing over 40 years of experience, technical knowledge, and craftsmanship to every lead plumbing project, whether for historic churches, civic buildings, or private homes.
Our metalwork services are built on a deep foundation of traditional craftsmanship, and our blacksmith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience honed over a lifetime in the trade. Having once owned his own blacksmithing company, he has not only worked on countless metal fabrication and restoration projects but has also shared his expertise by hosting training days and open demonstrations at landmark sites, including Llancaiach Fawr, where he taught the ancient techniques of blacksmithing. This rare blend of practical experience and commitment to preserving the craft makes our metalwork services truly exceptional.
From custom wrought-iron gates and railings to intricate decorative metal elements, we provide a full range of blacksmithing services, always in line with the principles of conservation. Whether restoring historic metal features such as balustrades, finials, or firebacks, or creating bespoke new metalwork for sensitive refurbishments, we use traditional methods and materials to ensure that each piece is not only functional but also a work of art. Our blacksmith is highly skilled in forging, welding, and the detailed finishing of metal elements, ensuring every project retains its authenticity and strength.
We also specialise in structural metalwork, from repairs to iron beams to the fabrication of custom reinforcements for heritage buildings. Whether you need to replicate period metalwork or require bespoke metal features for a new build, our blacksmith brings a rare combination of expertise, passion, and commitment to quality. Having spent years teaching others the craft, his dedication to preserving and passing on the art of blacksmithing is reflected in every piece of metalwork we create.
Our roofing services cover a full spectrum of repairs, replacements, and complete re-roofing projects, offering expert craftsmanship in all aspects of roof construction and restoration. Whether it’s repairing a small section of a roof, replacing a few isolated tiles, or undertaking a full re-roofing project, we are equipped to handle it all. We specialise in working with a variety of traditional roofing materials, including natural slate, stone tiles, clay tiles, and ornamental patterned roofing such as scalloped and conical designs. Our team is well-versed in random and diminishing courses, a technique used to create the distinctive, weathered aesthetic found in historic roofs, while ensuring structural integrity and water tightness.
Our roofing team brings a wealth of expertise in both modern and historic roofing techniques, and we work closely with our lead plumber and carpenters to deliver a truly integrated service. Whether installing intricate lead detailing around chimneys or flashings, ensuring proper ventilation, or reinforcing timber structures to support the weight of natural slate, our team’s collaborative approach ensures precision and quality at every stage. We have extensive experience working on listed buildings, period homes, and heritage sites, where attention to detail and the use of traditional materials are paramount.
From small-scale repairs to large-scale, intricate roof refurbishments, we take great pride in restoring roofs to their former glory, ensuring they are both watertight and aesthetically in keeping with the character of the building. Our team understands the challenges of working on historic roofs, and we take every care to maintain the integrity of the original structure while using modern techniques where necessary to enhance durability. Whether it’s replacing worn-out clay tiles on a Victorian terrace, repairing a complex scalloped roof on a heritage property, or replacing a slate roof with exacting standards, our roofing team ensures that every project is completed with the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Our fenestration services are tailored to meet the specific needs of every building, offering expert care in the repair, restoration, and replacement of windows and glazing elements. Whether it’s replacing a single pane of glass or restoring a series of historic windows, we are equipped to handle all types of fenestration work with a focus on conservation and quality craftsmanship. We specialise in sourcing and fitting appropriate glass for each project, ensuring that the material is both historically accurate and fit for purpose. This includes matching period-appropriate glass, such as hand-blown or crown glass, as well as introducing ventilation gauges or glass quarries where needed to maintain airflow and prevent condensation in older buildings.
We also have extensive experience in restoring stained glass windows, a skill that requires a careful balance of preserving the artistry and function of the window while ensuring its structural stability. Our team can replace damaged or missing lead cames, and we work with sensitivity to the original design, whether that involves re-leading intricate panels, matching the existing colour palette, or undertaking full restorations of historic stained glass windows in churches, heritage sites, and private homes.
Our expertise extends to integrating modern solutions where required, such as the introduction of ventilation systems to glass quarries, ensuring that windows continue to provide a balance of light, beauty, and breathability. Whether we are restoring wooden sashes, fitting custom glazing, or undertaking full window replacements, our focus remains on preserving the character and integrity of the original design while providing a functional, long-lasting solution. From small repairs to large-scale restorations, we bring precision, knowledge, and respect for heritage to every fenestration project we undertake.
Our plaster enrichment services offer a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and artistic flair, specialising in the creation and restoration of fine plaster mouldings, including run-in situ mouldings, florettes, cornices, and decorative features. Whether replicating intricate period details or restoring original features, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality plasterwork that enhances the character and elegance of historic buildings. We are particularly skilled in working with Plaster of Paris, a traditional material known for its fine finish and ability to capture the delicate detail required for ornate features such as ceiling roses, coving, and decorative friezes.
Our team is highly experienced in the art of run-in situ mouldings, a technique that involves creating plaster details directly on-site to perfectly fit the architectural features of the building. This method allows for exceptional precision, whether we’re restoring historic plasterwork or replicating lost or damaged features to match the original design. From elaborate cornices to bespoke florette designs, we work with care to ensure each element blends seamlessly with the existing architecture of historic properties, whether residential or commercial.
In addition to our expertise in mouldings, we offer the restoration of original plaster enrichments, repairing cracks, missing sections, or damaged decorative details with sensitivity to the building’s history. Our craftsmen ensure that all repairs maintain the authenticity of the original design, using the same traditional techniques and materials that would have been employed when the building was first constructed.
Whether it’s restoring a grand Victorian cornice or recreating delicate plaster features, our plasterwork services combine artistry, technical skill, and a deep understanding of historic architecture. We are committed to preserving and enhancing the beauty of every historic building we work on, bringing timeless elegance through the art of plaster enrichment.
Our decoration services focus on preserving the aesthetic integrity of historic buildings through the use of traditional, breathable, and environmentally sensitive finishes. We specialise in a range of specialist coatings, including limewashing, sheltercoating, distempers, and modern breathable paint systems like KEIM, ensuring that every surface is treated with the utmost care to maintain the building’s historic character while allowing it to breathe naturally.
Limewashing is a key part of our decoration expertise, as it not only provides a beautiful, timeless finish but also allows for the building to remain breathable, preventing trapped moisture that can cause damage over time. We are skilled in applying limewash to both internal and external surfaces, enhancing the natural texture and depth of the underlying materials while maintaining the building’s health and longevity.
For more robust external protection, we also offer sheltercoating services, which provide an additional layer of protection against weathering while still allowing the building to breathe. Our team is experienced in working with distempers—traditional paints that were historically used in decorative schemes—ensuring the correct application to both retain the authenticity of the original finishes and provide durable, flexible coverage.
In addition to these traditional methods, we use modern breathable paints such as KEIM, which are specially designed for use on historic buildings, offering high durability and flexibility without compromising breathability. These systems are particularly beneficial for preventing condensation and ensuring moisture is able to escape, which is crucial for the long-term health of older buildings.
Our decoration services are designed to enhance and preserve the beauty of historic buildings, whether it’s refreshing a historic room with period-appropriate finishes or providing long-lasting protection against the elements. Through careful selection of materials and a focus on traditional, breathable systems, we ensure that every project we undertake maintains the building’s integrity while enhancing its visual appeal.
Our consultation services are designed to provide expert guidance and advice on historic building projects, ensuring that contractors, architects, and other professionals approach the work with the right techniques and materials. We are often brought in at various stages of a project to assist in formulating strategies that align with conservation principles, making recommendations and amendments to scopes of work to ensure the preservation of the building’s integrity.
With our deep knowledge of traditional construction methods, materials, and best practices for historic buildings, we provide tailored advice on how to approach repairs, restorations, and alterations. We work closely with clients, contractors, and architects to identify potential issues, offer solutions, and ensure the right balance between maintaining historical accuracy and meeting modern building standards.
Our team is experienced in reviewing and amending project scopes to ensure that all work is carried out in a way that respects the building’s heritage while also addressing practical concerns such as structural integrity, weatherproofing, and energy efficiency. Whether we’re advising on the selection of materials, offering insights into appropriate repair techniques, or ensuring compliance with conservation guidelines, our goal is to guide each project to a successful and authentic outcome.
By engaging us in the early stages, we help ensure that work progresses smoothly, with a clear understanding of the specific needs of a historic building. Our consultations are rooted in decades of hands-on experience, ensuring that every project we assist with is approached with the expertise, sensitivity, and respect it deserves.
Our retrofit services are designed to improve the energy efficiency of historic and traditional buildings while preserving their unique character and heritage. With two trained retrofit assessors on our team, both qualified in energy efficiency for historic buildings, we provide expert assessments that balance modern energy-saving solutions with the need to maintain the building’s authenticity and structural integrity.
Our retrofit assessors are skilled in evaluating the specific needs of historic buildings, identifying opportunities for energy improvements, and advising on methods that are both effective and sensitive to the building’s historic fabric. They conduct thorough assessments, taking into account the building’s age, construction methods, and materials, and provide recommendations on insulation, heating systems, draught-proofing, ventilation, and other energy-efficient measures.
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to retrofitting, ensuring that all work is carefully planned and implemented to prevent any damage to the building’s character or structure. Our team is experienced in installing modern energy-efficient systems, such as underfloor heating, secondary glazing, and advanced insulation solutions, in ways that integrate seamlessly into the building without compromising its heritage value.
In addition to providing expert assessments and recommendations, we also carry out the retrofit work ourselves, ensuring a consistent and high-quality approach from start to finish. Our team understands the delicate balance between enhancing energy efficiency and preserving the building’s historical elements, and we take great care to ensure that every retrofit project we undertake is executed with respect for both modern standards and traditional craftsmanship.
Whether you are looking to reduce energy consumption, improve comfort, or meet sustainability targets, our retrofit services offer a tailored solution that respects the integrity of your historic building while enhancing its performance for the future.
Our survey services offers comprehensive condition reports and detailed assessments for a wide range of building types, with a particular focus on historic structures. With years of expertise in both surveying and managing historic building projects, our team is uniquely equipped to deliver in-depth analysis and actionable insights into the condition of your building, ensuring that you receive the most accurate and relevant information.
We specialise in a wide variety of surveys, including but not limited to, intrusive and non-intrusive roofing inspections, detailed masonry assessments, and evaluations of windows, doors, and damp and moisture problems. Our team conducts thorough investigations to identify structural issues, decay, or areas in need of repair, and we work closely with clients to develop solutions that are both effective and in keeping with conservation principles. Along with these in-depth assessments, we make tailored recommendations to address any issues found, advising on the most appropriate methods for repair and preservation. Whether it’s a comprehensive condition report or a specific survey focusing on one aspect of a building’s fabric, we provide clear, actionable recommendations for repairs and maintenance.
Our survey work extends to several high-profile contracts, including theatres where we regularly inspect plaster-wadded ceilings, and local councils where we assess the condition of historic schools and other assets. We have built long-standing relationships with these organisations, trusted for our expertise and commitment to preserving and maintaining their historic buildings. Our approach is always thorough, with careful attention to the building’s heritage, ensuring that all reports reflect the unique needs and challenges associated with historic properties.
From detailed assessments of structural integrity to specialised inspections for damp, moisture, and conservation issues, our survey services offer a critical resource for building owners, managers, and contractors. Led by a founder who has a deep understanding of the complexities of historic buildings, we are able to offer both expert insight and practical, preservation-minded solutions, along with clear recommendations to guide the way forward for repairs, maintenance, and conservation efforts.
01443 829553
office@taliesin-conservation.com
Unit C5, Britannia Centre for Enterprise, Pengam, NP12 3SP