Business Details
16 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Timber Conservation Specialists for Historic Buildings
Established in 2010, Harrison Hugh stands as the UK's longest-established independent timber conservation contractor. Our expertise lies in the meticulous preservation and restoration of historic structural and decorative woodwork, alongside the design and creation of bespoke conservation-focused joinery. With nearly four decades of experience, we collaborate closely with heritage organisations, architects, and technical specialists to deliver comprehensive services from project inception to completion. Our team includes an internationally recognised expert in polychromed woodwork, a chartered architect specialising in historic buildings, and master craftsmen trained in ecclesiastical joinery.We pioneered techniques for fire-damaged woodwork restoration, saving irreplaceable heritage items globally. Our work combines traditional craftsmanship with modern scientific methods, ensuring both academic rigor and practical execution. We contribute regularly to conservation literature and advise international bodies on timber preservation. Our portfolio spans iconic sites like Exeter Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace, and projects in the USA and China. Accredited by the Conservation Register, we maintain the highest standards in preserving cultural heritage while innovating in new conservation design.
Services
Timber Conservation
Fire Damage Restoration
Polychromed Woodwork
Historic Joinery
Conservation Design
Structural Surveying
Pew Restoration
Decorative Carving
Heritage Consultancy
International Projects
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 40 years of experience in historic timber conservation
- Internationally recognised expert in polychromed woodwork
- Pioneered fire-damage restoration techniques for heritage sites
- Chartered architect specialising in historic buildings on staff
- Combines traditional craftsmanship with scientific conservation methods
Associations and certifications
- Conservation Register
- ISO 9001
What people say
Exceptional attention to detail
Deep historical knowledge
Innovative solutions
Professional team
Global experience
Services
Timber Conservation
Specialised conservation of historic structural and decorative woodwork using approved treatments for decay, fungal damage, and paint loss. Our team employs traditional joinery techniques alongside modern scientific methods to preserve heritage sites while maintaining original integrity. Services include detailed surveys, cleaning, consolidation, and structural reinforcement for churches, historic buildings, and museums.
Fire Damage Restoration
Pioneering techniques for restoring fire- and smoke-damaged historic woodwork, including delicate limewood carvings and medieval polychromed elements. We salvage irreplaceable heritage items through careful cleaning, reconstruction, and replication where necessary. Our work has preserved significant pieces at Hampton Court Palace, Exeter Cathedral, and international sites following catastrophic fires.
Polychromed Woodwork
Expert analysis and restoration of painted timber surfaces, including medieval altarpieces, choir stalls, and architectural elements. Our accredited conservators combine art-historical research with material science to accurately restore original colour schemes while preserving fragile historic finishes for future generations.
Conservation Design
Creation of new joinery and furnishings that respect historic contexts, including pews, pulpits, screens, and liturgical furniture. Our designs integrate seamlessly with existing architecture while meeting modern functional requirements, demonstrated in projects at Blundells School, St Thomas New York, and Eton College.
Historic Joinery
Craftsmanship in creating and repairing complex timber structures using traditional methods. Our team produces intricate carvings, canopies, and panelled work with exacting tolerances, as seen in the Globe Theatre reconstruction and St Morwenna's figurehead restoration, maintaining centuries-old techniques in contemporary practice.
People
Hugh Harrison
Founder & Lead Conservator
Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries with 40 years' experience in timber conservation. Author of key conservation manuals and advisor to ICOMOS and SPAB. Combines academic expertise with hands-on craftsmanship developed through apprenticeship at Herbert Read Ltd.
Not explicitly listed
Not applicable
Questions
What types of historic woodwork do you specialise in?
We specialise in all aspects of historic timber conservation including structural elements, polychromed woodwork, ecclesiastical joinery, and decorative carvings from medieval to 19th-century periods.
Can you restore fire-damaged historic woodwork?
Yes, we pioneered techniques for fire-damaged woodwork restoration, successfully saving items at Hampton Court Palace and Exeter Cathedral using specialist cleaning and reconstruction methods.
Do you work on international conservation projects?
Yes, we've completed projects in the USA, China, and Russia, including advising ICOMOS on painted timber conservation and restoring Russian church interiors through MAPS collaboration.
What accreditation do your conservators hold?
Our team includes Accredited Conservators listed on the Conservation Register with ISO 9001 certification, ensuring adherence to international conservation standards.
Can you create new joinery for historic settings?
Yes, we design and manufacture bespoke joinery that respects historic contexts, including pews, pulpits, and screens that integrate seamlessly with existing architecture.
How do you approach medieval polychromed woodwork?
We combine art-historical analysis with material science to restore original colour schemes while preserving fragile historic finishes, ensuring both authenticity and longevity.
