Current Issue
Frank Holmes Fine Décor launches Heritage Collection to celebrate 35 years in business
Specialist decorator Frank Holmes Fine Décor marks its 35th anniversary this summer by launching an exclusive heritage collection available for commission.
The latest additions to the Frank Holmes Fine Décor Heritage Collection include two rare architectural designs from the Arts & Crafts period – 'lost' raised relief designs no longer available on the high street.
Read more: Frank Holmes Fine Décor launches Heritage Collection to celebrate 35 years in business
Conservation treatment continues to preserve the West Front of Wells Cathedral
Cliveden Conservation is pleased to announce its appointment to undertake the ongoing conservation of the exquisite carved stonework on the West Front of Wells Cathedral. This significant repair programme, which is now underway with a completion date in the autumn, is being conducted in collaboration with Nick Cox Architects and the Cathedral.
The project builds upon the meticulously planned and executed pilot phase conducted in 2022 by Cliveden Conservation, which focused on cleaning and repairing the stonework and sculptures on the central top tiers above the West Window. During this initial phase, conservators developed a methodology now being implemented across the entire West Front to preserve fragile surfaces and carved figures.
Read more: Conservation treatment continues to preserve the West Front of Wells Cathedral
Memorials at the ready: the nation celebrates VE Day
As the nation celebrates the 80th anniversary of VE Day – the ending of the Second World War in Europe – many will be joining in bell ringing and the singing of the patriotic anthem I Vow to Thee My Country. The four days of celebration from 5-8 May mark the culmination of months of preparations, and for many a race against time to complete the cleaning and restoration of local and even national war memorials.
Local councils across the country have been commissioning a small army of specialist cleaning operatives to ensure their memorials are fit to reflect the significance of the occasion, including the Cenotaph in Ilkeston, Derbyshire (pictured).
Read more: Memorials at the ready: the nation celebrates VE Day
From halogen to LED lighting: a sustainable transformation at Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral, a beacon of faith and heritage, recently completed a transformative relighting project, harnessing ERCO’s innovative LED technology. This initiative has elevated the Cathedral’s visual and spiritual presence, aligning with its commitment to sustainability and accessibility. The new lighting solutions have significantly lowered the Cathedral’s carbon footprint, reducing internal energy use by over 80% and saving approximately 30 tonnes of CO₂ a year. Reverend Kenneth Padley, Canon Treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral, described the outcome as, “simply spectacular... The Cathedral is better lit than at any time during its 800-year history.”
Read more: From halogen to LED lighting: a sustainable transformation at Salisbury Cathedral
Michelmersh champions community, education and industry growth with over £1 million in donations
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC ("Michelmersh") is proud to reaffirm its commitment to supporting local communities, educational institutions, and charitable organisations through its long-standing culture of giving. Since 2016, Michelmersh has contributed over £1 million in charitable and in-kind donations, reinforcing its mission to build a better future, brick by brick.
Our remembrance is brought into focus by the restoration of significant buildings
For over 145 years, Bakers of Danbury Heritage Building Contractors has been a trusted specialist in the conservation of ecclesiastical and heritage sites. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail means every project they undertake is built to last – blending traditional craftsmanship with modern restoration techniques.
They take great pride in ensuring that the buildings they work on not only stand the test of time but also continue to tell the stories they hold.
Read more: Our remembrance is brought into focus by the restoration of significant buildings
A street sign on Reading’s Oxford Road has triumphed in the national Sign and Wrap Awards 2025
The hand-written sign pays homage to the original Victorian sign on the flank of Russell Street, on its junction of Oxford Road, was awarded a gold position in the Traditional Sign’ category at the Sign and Wrap Awards on 25th March 2025.
Judges admired the craftsmanship, skill, and attention to detail of the traditional sign, which lists all the building proprietors dating back to 1829.
Lightning protection standard updated
The four-part international standard for lightning protection, BS EN IEC 62305, has been updated to reflect the latest expert knowledge and best practices. Together, the documents form the essential guide for anyone involved in safeguarding structures, their occupants and systems from the damaging effects of lightning.
There has been a British Standard for lightning protection since 1965. In 1985 BS 6651 was adopted and in 2006 that was superseded by BS EN 62305, which was in turn updated in 2011.
The different types of lead roofs: a comprehensive guide by Silk Leadwork
Lead roofing’s legacy stretches back centuries, offering a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional superiority unmatched by other materials. It adapts seamlessly to diverse roofing needs, from historic restoration to modern architectural projects. This guide presents an in-depth look at the different types of lead roofs, highlighting their unique properties and the reasons behind their enduring popularity.
Read more: The different types of lead roofs: a comprehensive guide by Silk Leadwork
Parish church AV system embraces community needs
It’s mid-2024, and Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS) are commissioned to start a major AV upgrade at St Andrew’s Church in Hertford. St Andrew’s is not only a busy church in the heart of Hertford, but is also a popular venue for folk groups and ensembles. The brief for the audio system was to cater effectively for all those requirements at the highest level.
Rare examples of painted railings preserved at Bath Abbey
The Abbey Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Bath (Bath Abbey) was founded in the 7th century: originally as a convent and later becoming a monastery.
Monks fleeing reforms in France in the mid 10th century were given the church in Bath by King Edward I. During the early 12th century a building on a grander scale began to be built, dedicated to St Peter and St Paul, with work taking around 50 years to complete.
Read more: Rare examples of painted railings preserved at Bath Abbey
Tarrant Group undertakes clock face restoration at St Mary’s, Pulborough
Tarrant Group is proud to announce the successful completion of a truly unique project restoring the historic clock faces at St Mary's Church in Pulborough. This landmark structure has stood proudly for centuries, with its clock faces serving not only as a timekeeping tool but also as a cherished part of the town's identity. Restoring them required not only technical skill, but also sensitivity to heritage, meticulous planning, and seamless collaboration.
The project began with a detailed evaluation of how best to approach the clock’s disconnection without compromising the historic structure or the delicate mechanism. The process had to be carried out in perfect synchrony to avoid any damage, and the margin for error was extremely narrow.
Read more: Tarrant Group undertakes clock face restoration at St Mary’s, Pulborough
ISCVEx 2025 wraps after two vibrant days of AGM, Networking Dinner, Seminars and Exhibition!
ISCVEx 2025, hosted at the historic Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry, is an exceptional gathering for professionals in the sound, communications and visual engineering industries. Organised annually by the Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers, the event welcomes both members and non-members to engage in a variety of enriching activities designed to foster professional growth, industry insights and networking opportunities.
Commencing on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, with the ISCVE Members’ Day and Annual General Meeting, ISCVEx provides a key moment for the Institute to reflect on achievements and outline future goals. After a scintillating presentation by Andy Dockerty, from Adlib on the future of the Live Events Industries, attendees later joined a vibrant networking dinner, complete with live entertainment, offering a unique environment to build relationships and celebrate together.
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