Business Details
48 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Timber Conservation Services
Established over four decades ago, Harrison Hugh stands as the UK's longest-operating independent timber conservation contractor. Our expertise lies in preserving historic structural and decorative woodwork, offering comprehensive services from initial survey to final execution. Our team comprises an internationally recognised accredited conservator specialising in polychromed woodwork, a chartered architect with extensive heritage building experience, and master craftsmen trained in ecclesiastical joinery. We collaborate closely with heritage organisations, architects, and technical specialists to deliver conservation solutions for Grade I and II* listed buildings. Our pioneering techniques in fire-damaged woodwork restoration have saved irreplaceable heritage elements across prestigious sites like Hampton Court Palace.With contributions to English Heritage's Conservation Manuals and advisory roles for ICOMOS, we combine traditional craftsmanship with scientific advancements. Our approach balances academic rigor with practical execution, ensuring historical authenticity while implementing modern preservation standards. This dual focus has enabled complex projects such as reconstructing medieval choir stalls and designing precision-engineered doors for Eton College. Our reputation for technical excellence is evidenced by our inclusion on the Conservation Register and ISO 9001 certification. We maintain active memberships with professional bodies including the Society of Antiquaries and SPAB, reinforcing our commitment to heritage preservation excellence.
Services
Timber Conservation
Fire Damage Restoration
Pew Modification
Joinery Design
Polychromed Timber Repair
Structural Solutions
Heritage Surveying
Choir Stalls Design
Medieval Woodwork Restoration
Conservation Training
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in historic timber conservation
- Our team includes an internationally accredited polychromed woodwork expert
- Pioneers in fire-damaged woodwork restoration techniques
- Chartered architect with specialist heritage building knowledge
- Craftsmen trained in top ecclesiastical joinery workshops
Associations and certifications
- Conservation Register
- ISO 9001
What people say
Outstanding craftsmanship
Expert knowledge
Reliable service
Historic preservation
Technical excellence
Services
Timber Conservation
Specialist conservation of historic structural and decorative woodwork using approved treatments for decay prevention. Our team employs traditional craftsmanship combined with modern scientific methods to preserve polychromed timber and restore intricate joinery. With decades of experience working on Grade I listed buildings, we deliver solutions that maintain historical authenticity while ensuring structural integrity for future generations.
Fire Damage Restoration
Pioneering techniques for restoring fire- and smoke-damaged historic woodwork. We have rescued irreplaceable heritage elements including 17th-century limewood carvings at Hampton Court Palace. Our specialists use proprietary methods to clean and stabilise charred timber while preserving original finishes. This niche expertise has been applied to numerous historic buildings where traditional approaches would have resulted in total loss.
Bespoke Joinery Design
Design and manufacture of new joinery elements for conservation settings. Our craftsmen create choir stalls, canopies, and liturgical furnishings that respect historical context. Drawing on 100 years of family workshop heritage, we produce precision-engineered solutions like Eton College's pivoted panelled door. Each project combines medieval construction techniques with modern engineering requirements.
Polychromed Timber Repair
Specialist conservation of painted wood surfaces including medieval altarpieces and church interiors. Our accredited conservators use micro-surgical techniques to stabilise fragile paint layers. We conduct detailed pigment analysis to ensure authentic restoration while maintaining historical evidence. This expertise has been applied to projects ranging from Devon parish churches to New York's Church of the Heavenly Rest.
Heritage Surveying
Comprehensive surveying services for assessing historic woodwork condition and significance. We produce detailed technical drawings that inform conservation decisions while documenting construction techniques. Our surveys guide grant-awarding bodies and form the basis for conservation specifications. This analytical approach often reveals opportunities for simplified interventions that maintain structural integrity.
People
Hugh Harrison
Founder & Director
Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and accredited conservator with over 40 years' experience. Specialist in medieval woodwork conservation and author of English Heritage Conservation Manuals. Leads international projects including Beijing's historic building conservation. Holds a Royal Warrant for craftsmanship excellence.
Questions
What areas do you cover for conservation work?
We operate nationwide across the UK with international projects in Europe and North America.
Can you restore fire-damaged historic woodwork?
Yes, we pioneered techniques to save severely fire-damaged timber, including Hampton Court Palace's carvings.
Do you handle both church and domestic projects?
We specialise in ecclesiastical work but also undertake domestic conservation and bespoke joinery projects.
Are your craftsmen specially trained?
Our team includes joiners trained in top ecclesiastical workshops with decades of heritage conservation experience.
Can you modify medieval pews for modern use?
Yes, we design reversible modifications that maintain historical integrity while improving comfort for contemporary use.
Do you work on listed buildings?
We specialise in Grade I and II* listed buildings, with extensive experience meeting heritage planning requirements.
