Conservation Consultancy

Expert Guidance for the Restoration of
Historic Ironwork

Our breadth of knowledge, combining technical, historical and conservation expertise, helps clients make confident, informed decisions, ensuring all interventions—whether repair, maintenance or adaptation—respect the integrity and significance of the original work.

“Typically, little is known about historic ironwork beyond what the material itself reveals. Interpreting those clues— ‘reading the iron’—is a skill not formally taught, but one I was fortunate to develop through years of hands-on experience, and the insight passed down by master craftsman Chris Topp.”
— Bethan Griffiths

We Bring Clarity to Complex Issues
and Balance Historic Value with Practical Needs

Each report is tailored, actionable and clear, explaining what matters about a piece, what’s wrong with it, and how it can be addressed.

Our Core Conservation Services: We support well-informed, sensitive conservation through a tailored, methodical approach. Services include:

• Condition Surveys – Thorough assessments of material, construction and risks
• Enhanced Visualisations – Annotated images, condition maps & diagrams to aid interpretation
• Assessment & Advice – Clear analysis with conservation priorities & practical options
• Restoration Specifications – Guidance to ensure appropriate interventions
• Design Guidance for Historic Settings – Heritage-informed advice to support appropriate interventions, policy compliance, and clarity of intent & impact.

Our Approach

Respecting the past while planning for the future is central to everything we do. We ensure repairs are sympathetic, carefully considered, well-crafted, and built to endure.

Downloads

To learn more about our approach to conservation and how we design for the historic environment visit our downloads page.

Testimonial

“I approached The Ironwork Studio for a report on our eighteenth century gateway due to their historical, aesthetic and technical skills and found their approach enthusiastic and professional. The report included extensive historical evidence, which was previously difficult to interpret, and a very thorough examination of the remaining ironwork. I particularly liked the detail and the clarity. It was persuasive enough that Historic England agreed to upgrade the gates from Grade II to Grade II*. I am grateful for this result, as it makes restoration a more likely possibility. The only downside is it highlights the enormous amount of work that needs to be done!”

– Richard Lawson, private client

Contact Bethan Griffiths To see how we can bring clarity and confidence to your ironwork project