Conservation Policy

Recclesia abides by its own strict but dynamic conservation policy based on international and domestic research, guidelines and best practice. At the heart of our policy is a firm belief in the mantra of informed conservation.

Alongside experience and knowledge, sound research and solid understanding of the subject matter is crucial to decision making when designing conservation proposals for irreplaceable objects and historic building fabric. The details of this approach are brought together in our Conservation Policy, authored by Jamie Moore, Geoff Moore and Lee Bilson.

Conservation Policy

At Recclesia, we believe that good conservation is based upon a respect for the heritage in question. Our key objective is to minimise harmful or intrusive intervention, ensuring that where ever possible treatment is reversible and retains as much historic fabric and significant material. Heritage buildings and objects should be able to tell their story, with works being readable to avoid falsifying the heritage, and distorting peoples understanding of the significance. However we also feel it is important to allow for new works and developments that act in harmony with original and historic fabric.

Examining an historic building or object, understanding various levels of significance and identifying condition issues is absolutely essential prior to any conservation or repair work being carried out. Without this knowledge it is impossible to fully understand problems or schedule works in great detail. We therefore aim for all our work to be preceded by careful analysis, research, and consultation with the owners and/or custodians of the heritage assets, with our techniques and materials being fully documented throughout the conservation process. This informed approach is distinguished by the expertise of our reports and advice, meaning that our contribution to any project would be authoritative and respected by clients, local authorities, and heritage bodies.

Through our continued experience within the heritage sector, we have developed a constructive approach to conservation works, which we believe is key to ensure any works carried out in historic environments or on historic buildings are cost efficient, whilst remaining true to the highest possible heritage standards.

To achieve this philosophy, we draw on our expertise in conservation, historical research, and heritage project management to assess and report on the cultural, historical and current importance of an object; preparing concise and accurate documentation regarding the current state of the fabric of the asset and its surroundings, and explore with our clients options to draw up appropriate conservation specifications taking into account current legislative and budgetary constraints, and conservation standards.