From careful advice to hands-on treatment

In order to prevent damage and ensure the most appropriate preservation conditions, we strongly recommend allowing sufficient time for research, inspection, and analysis before undertaking any treatment or introducing new display or storage solutions.

Decisions made without adequate assessment can significantly compromise the condition of historic objects, leading to the irreversible loss of both their cultural significance and economic value.

The WoodKeeper Ltd. provides specialist inspections, conservation assessments, and analytical services to identify potential preservation risks and vulnerabilities. Based on this informed evaluation, we offer professional advice on display and environmental guidelines, treatment strategies, and long-term preservation policies, ensuring interventions are appropriate, proportionate, and respectful of historic fabric.

Example of a condition report and treatment proposal

Preventive conservation is a fundamental component of responsible heritage care, aimed at minimising risks before deterioration occurs. A stable and well-managed environment is essential to the long-term preservation of wooden artefacts and collections.

The WoodKeeper Ltd. provides environmental monitoring and control services, including the assessment of temperature, relative humidity, light levels, and air quality, to identify harmful fluctuations and define appropriate parameters for storage, display, and use.

Equally essential is the monitoring, management, and control of pests that pose a threat to historic wood and organic materials. Through systematic inspection and risk evaluation, we help identify active or potential infestations and develop preventive, non-invasive management strategies that respect both the artefacts and their historic context. These measures are designed to reduce intervention, prevent future damage, and support the sustainable preservation of heritage assets over time.

Environmental monitoring – The Mitchell Library, Glasgow

The WoodKeeper Ltd. provides a wide range of specialist conservation treatments for wooden artefacts, historic structures, furniture, and antiques. Our approach is founded on respect for original materials, traditional techniques, and the historical context of each object. Interventions are carefully considered and kept to the minimum necessary, with the aim of stabilising condition, slowing deterioration, and preserving original fabric wherever possible. All conservation treatments are guided by recognised ethical principles and tailored to the specific needs and significance of each artefact.

Video: consolidation of degraded timber with Paraloid

Restoration treatments are offered when conservation measures alone are insufficient or where functional, aesthetic, or contextual requirements justify a more interventive approach. The WoodKeeper Ltd. employs traditional materials and craft techniques to retain the authenticity and character of each object. Where historic methods or recipes are no longer suitable, compatible modern materials and innovative techniques are selected with care, ensuring durability, reversibility where possible, and long-term protection against future deterioration.

Video: wax polishing of a historic timber floor

We provide comprehensive restoration services for timber doors, sash windows, timber casement windows, and metal casements (including cast iron, steel, and bronze), as well as the conservation and repair of stained-glass panels.

Throughout the restoration process, priority is given to the retention of original materials, details, and craftsmanship, while discreetly enhancing performance where appropriate. Each intervention is bespoke and project-specific, developed in close dialogue with the client and informed by the condition, significance, and use of the windows. While quality and long-term results are never compromised, we work to achieve a carefully balanced solution that reconciles conservation principles, functional requirements, and available budgets.

Photos: casement window before and after restoration

1

Woodwork

All timber repairs are carried out using certified Accoya, Douglas fir, pitch pine, or high-density reclaimed timber. Replacement elements are treated with suitable preservatives and carefully primed prior to installation to ensure durability and material compatibility.

2

Screws and fixings

For external applications, we exclusively use silicon bronze or AISI 316 stainless steel fixings, and all ferrous-based components are removed whenever possible. Internal fixings are executed using brass components, ensuring long-term performance and compatibility with historic materials.

3

Draught proofing

Our proprietary draught-proofing refurbishment is undertaken to improve thermal and acoustic performance. This includes the treatment of parting beads, staff beads, sash rails, and meeting rails, while maintaining the original operation of the window.

4

Glazing improvements

Where appropriate and subject to the relevant authorities’ consent, original glazing is upgraded to improve thermal performance. We install ultra-slim double-glazed units, including high-performance vacuum glazing such as FINEO, with overall thicknesses starting from 7.7 mm.

5

Sash weight balancing

Following re-glazing, sash weights are recalibrated to ensure smooth and correct operation of the window.

6

Decoration

Timber windows are finished using a durable, traditional paint system. This includes meticulous surface preparation, priming, undercoating, and final finishing coats. We use anti-fungal paints and, on request, linseed oil-based paints.

7

Sand mastic

Window perimeters are sealed using traditional sand mastic, composed of kiln-dried sand and linseed oil, ensuring flexibility, weather resistance, and historical accuracy.

The WoodKeeper provides structured training programmes aimed at professionals, students, and organisations working within the heritage and conservation sector. Training courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations, covering traditional materials, historic techniques, and conservation best practice. Each programme is tailored to the participants’ level of experience and focuses on developing informed, responsible approaches to the care of historic wooden artefacts and structures.

Specialist masterclasses are offered for advanced practitioners seeking in-depth engagement with specific materials, techniques, or conservation challenges. Delivered in small groups, these sessions emphasise hands-on practice, critical discussion, and the refinement of professional skills. Masterclasses are designed to encourage knowledge exchange while reinforcing conservation ethics, material understanding, and high standards of craftsmanship.