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About us

Hirst Conservation Ltd was established in 1986 by Elizabeth Hirst. Elizabeth was trained by Professor Robert Baker and Mrs Eve Baker, who were amongst the UK’s most eminent conservators of wall paintings and limestone sculpture. Elizabeth is actively involved in the development of Hirst Conservation Ltd as both a practical conservator and consultant. Hirst Conservation is on the Conservation Register and employs a number of conservators accredited through the PACR scheme.

Hirst Conservation Ltd provides a holistic approach to the building envelope and associated surfaces. To achieve this aim, the company structure includes a wide range of disciplines, including stone, plaster, decorative finishes, wall paintings, materials analysis, paint research and easel paintings conservation, achieved through the employment of experienced conservators. Hirst Conservation Ltd also undertakes consultancy work and the overseeing of project briefs.

This base of varied specialisms allows us to act on informed treatment specifications. All conservation work undertaken by Hirst, whatever the specialism, is undertaken alongside preliminary survey, analysis and research, including photographic and diagrammatic recording, archival research and the assessment of previous treatments, where applicable. This working relationship of research and conservation serves to enforce the understanding and appropriate treatment of the building envelope and associated elements.

To read a copy of our privacy policy please click here.

We specialise in:

  • Easel paintings
  • Wall paintings
  • Historic decorative surfaces
  • Cleaning of building surfaces  (interior and exterior)
  • Stone and sculpture
  • Monuments and memorials
  • Bronze
  • Traditional plasterwork

We also provide:

  • Historic buildings consultancy
  • Condition surveys
  • Historic paint research
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Moisture and salts profiling

 

Meet the Hirst team

A little more about who we are and what we do

 

 

Elizabeth Hirst ACR IHBC FRSA

Director & Principal Conservator

Following many years of training in medieval wall painting and stone conservation, Elizabeth became a senior conservator within the Eve Baker Trust. She subsequently went on to found Hirst Conservation in 1986 and manages a multi-disciplined organisation encompassing a wide range of skills and technical expertise.

Karen Morrissey ACR

Conservation Manager

Karen returned to Hirst Conservation in 2019 as Conservation Manager. Karen is a highly experienced historic building conservator and architectural paint research specialist with many years experience in preventive and practical building conservation and applied decoration.

Paul D’Armada

Senior Conservation Analyst

Paul has worked as a conservation analyst for Hirst Conservation for over twenty years, developing a unique understanding of conservation and materials science through his work. Responsible for laboratory analysis and the manufacture of traditional paints, Paul is also a skilled conservator in stone, plaster and decorative surfaces.

Sabina van de Bruck ACR

Senior Stone & Wall Paintings Conservator

Sabina specialises in the conservation of wall paintings, plaster and stone objects, and has published several papers in the field. She has gained wide-ranging experience through involvement in diverse national and international projects and is largely responsible for project management and on-site client liaison, whilst also undertaking remedial work on site.

Lucy Kaszewska ACR

Senior Paintings Conservator

Lucy studied the conservation of paintings and polychrome sculpture at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland and has worked for Hirst Conservation since 2007. She is involved in the development of conservation strategies, undertaking and supervising treatment of wall paintings and decorated architectural surfaces.

 

 

Tim Pretty

Senior Plaster & Monuments Conservator

Tim joined Hirst Conservation in 2000, specialising in the conservation of masonry, earth walling and plaster works. Since joining he has become a key member of the Hirst team, with training and experience in the use of laser technology and specialised survey equipment for conservation applications.

 

 

Mackenzie Higgins

Paintings Conservator

Mackenzie first joined the Hirst Canada team working in Ottawa in 2021 before relocating to the UK in 2022. She has an Masters in Conservation of Easel Paintings (Northumbria University), a post Baccalaureate in Art Conservation (SACI, Florence).

 

Caroline Wright

Senior Conservator

Caroline trained in furniture and decorative surfaces conservation and is also a significant driver in our digital recreations.

 

Kris Kaszewski

Conservator

Kris works across our plaster, stone and decorative surfaces specialisms. He is experienced in using DOFF, TORC/JOS and laser cleaning.

 

 

Anna Webster ARB RIBA CA

Conservation Architect

Anna is an accredited Conservation Architect who specialises in the repair, adaptation and reuse of historic buildings. With over 10 years’ industry experience, Anna has led on a wide range of community, arts and residential projects. She holds a firm belief in the potential of the built environment to affect positive change and is committed to minimising waste and promoting planetary health.

 

Charlotte Owen

Senior Architectural Paint Researcher

Charlotte joined the team in 2016 specialising in architectural paint research after an early career working for the National Trust and English Heritage. Charlotte is an active member of Icon Historic Interiors Group.

 

Debbie Carey

Company Administrator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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