The WoodKeeper Ltd · Slamannan, Falkirk
Conservation of Historic Wooden Artefacts and Structures
Rooted in a deep respect for historic fabric and traditional craftsmanship, we provide sensible solutions to conservation issues with a professional and ethical approach.
Trusted by
National Trust for Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland
Glasgow Museums
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust
Our Mission
Drawing on extensive experience in wood conservation, we work to ensure the highest standards of care and long-term preservation for all our clients.
Whether you require a full conservation programme or simply professional advice, we are always happy to help, working in situ or in our workshop.
What we work on
- Modern and historic furniture
- Antiques and furnishings
- Carved and decorative artefacts
- Historic pianos and instruments
- Historic doors and windows
- Floors, ceilings, roofs and panelling
- Ecclesiastical furniture and fittings
- Picture frames
- Stained glass panels
Our services
01
Advisory services
Consultancy, assessment, analysis and preventive conservation, including environmental and pest monitoring, to identify risks before damage occurs.
02
Conservation and restoration
Carefully considered treatments that stabilise condition and preserve original fabric, with traditional restoration where function or appearance requires it.
03
Historic windows and doors
Conservation-led refurbishment of sash, casement and metal windows and timber doors, improving performance while keeping historic character.
04
Training
Structured courses and small-group masterclasses for heritage professionals, students and organisations.
Selected projects
Architectural · Isle of Mull · 2015–2023
Duart Castle
Windows, doors, floors and joinery in one of Scotland’s most exposed settings, for the Clan Maclean with Historic Environment Scotland.
Photo: Duart Castle from the sea, during the works
Architectural · Glasgow · Glasgow Museums
Burrell Collection decant
Dismantling of several historic timber structures during the refurbishment of the collection in 2017. Collaboration with Cliveden Conservation.
Photo: dismantled timber structures, packed and ready for transport
Architectural · Ayrshire · NTS
Culzean Castle
Restoration of historic timber floors, from cleaning and repair to refinishing.
Photo: restored timber floor at Culzean Castle
Certified AGC installer of FINEO vacuum glazing
Historic windows, made to perform
When restoring windows, we often install FINEO vacuum units. At just 7.7 mm thick, these units give thermal performance comparable to triple glazing while preserving slender historic profiles and sightlines.
- Repairs in Accoya, Douglas fir, pitch pine or reclaimed timber
- Silicon bronze and 316 stainless steel fixings
- Draught-proofing that keeps the original operation
- Traditional sand mastic and linseed oil paints on request
Before treatment
After: restored with FINEO vacuum glazing
Meet the conservator
Jonathan Schiavone
Trained in Italy, Jonathan holds a Master of Arts in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage from the University of Turin, completed with the La Venaria Reale Conservation and Restoration Centre.
He founded The WoodKeeper in Scotland in 2012. After a period conserving Swiss heritage with Reding Werner AG, he returned in 2026 to focus once again on Scotland’s historic environment.
“When Heritage calls, The WoodKeeper is at your service.”
Tell us about your building, object or collection. We are happy to give professional advice, whatever the size of the project.