Conservation, Restoration,

Crick-Smith has carried out projects on a very impressive range of English Heritage properties.

Crick-Smith carry out their research in a highly professional and thorough manner, in site meetings and in reports, which are very well presented and clearly argued. In connection with Kenwood House, their contribution expanded into ongoing involvement in discussions over the consequences and implementation of their research.

Dr Jeremy Ashbee, Head Properties Curator, English Heritage Trust

Crick-Smith gave a seminar on their work to Historic Scotland in 2009 which was very well received. They are active in promoting their field via ICON and the Traditional Paint Forum and maintain good rapport with the heritage conservation sector. I have found their reports to be well laid out and present readily verifiable findings.

Dr Michael Pearce, Consultant, Historic Environment Scotland

The National Trust, (for England, Wales & Northern Ireland), has used the services of Crick-Smith for paint research on a wide variety of projects since 1996. Their depth of knowledge and detailed documentation contributes significantly to the overall understanding of the decorative history of our properties. Crick-Smith's professionalism ensures that the project objectives are clearly defined, the work is completed on time and within budget.

Christine Sitwell, Paintings Conservation Adviser, The National Trust

It was a great pleasure to work with Ian & Michael during the historic colour analysis project at Brodick Castle. 'they' .. interacted well with visitors during the sampling and became a point of great interest rather than being viewed as an obstruction. The information was comprehensive, well researched & presented. The high quality photomicrographs of the samples are particularly helpful to bring the historic colours to life. 

Kinlay Laidlaw, Lead Surveyor, National Trust for Scotland

(Crick-Smith's) report.. which I've now had a chance to read... is thorough, informative and exemplary!

Dr Michael Turner, Government Historic Estates Unit

We have worked with Crick-Smith for several years, in particular on developing colours for the Covent Garden Market Building. Here they have been instrumental in the site analysis of historic paint colours on shed structures, shop fronts, and advising on period colours suitable for redecoration. They bring technical, and historical knowledge to the projects combined with a creative understanding which has been of great value.

Peter Riddington, Director & Architect, Donald Insall Associates

Crick-Smith are great fun to work with, both personable and approachable in their approach to conservation.  Understanding historic sites is more than a mere vocation for them; they’re clearly compelled to seek out evidence for the places our ancestors once knew, and they don’t stop looking!

Dr Jonathan Foyle, Built Heritage Ltd

Crick-Smith produce clear detailed reports of their research, providing archive information and images. Photographs are included with a concise summary of each decorative scheme revealed during analysis, describing types/colours of paint, primers and substrate. Detailed analysis of paint sections follow with photos showing the layers of magnified paint. Advice is then given on the nearest available matching colour and type of paint to the historic paint revealed by the research.

Judy Allen, Architect, Julian Harrap Architects

We approached 'Crick-Smith' initially to provide an analysis of wallpaper and paint as part of a programme of restoration.  They produced a thorough and authoritive dossier, with detailed supporting photographs, including fascinating cross-sections of paint strata. As a document it is indispensible.

Ian and Michael are a pleasure to work with and it was interesting to learn from in the process. I would approach them again without hesitation, and I recommend them unreservedly.

Rebecca FitzGerald, Farringford House, the Isle of Wight Home of Tennyson

Crick-Smith has undertaken a number of commissions in relation to projects under my direction.

I am impressed by the range of skills Crick-Smith possess, the care and attention to detail and the quality of the finished result. Their communication is also excellent so that options are presented and discussed before a final decision on any treatment is made.

Rodney Melville, Rodney Melville & Partners

We are happy to endorse the specialist services of Crick-Smith. Their input over the last 15 months to our restoration of the fire damaged Glasgow School of Art has been invaluable. Their forensic approach to paint analysis impressed us.  Their undoubted expertise in the field and creative thinking lead to a full understanding of the type/sequence of decorative finishes. Easy to collaborate with; a pleasure and education. We are grateful for their input and recommend them to other parties.

Malcolm Mitchell, Page \ Park Architects, Glasgow

We have engaged Crick-Smith for the analysis on a variety of projects. Most recently the HLF funded restoration of St Mary's Lighthouse Whitley Bay. Crick-Smith came to site, took samples and reported on the historic paint colours, make up and substrate materials. This enabled us to specify the repairs and sympathetic new decorations. We received added value in understanding the historic paint materials and the techniques of the period when the Lighthouse was built. 

David Beaumont,, Beaumont : Brown Architects

I have worked with Crick-Smith on four projects ranging historically fom the 17th to 20th Century. In each project Crick-Smith provided paint analysis and wallpaper investigations.  In each case I have relied and trusted their detailed and extensive historical and technical knowledge. It would be true to say that the collaboration process has uncovered fresh approaches and given new insights providing each project with a creative dimension. 

Robert Harrington, Robert Harrington Architect

We have worked collaboratively with Crick-Smith on The Restoration of Bletchley Park, phased conservation 2013-15. The detailed paint analysis identified the appearance of the exterior and interior of the huts and wartime Spider Blocks and to integrate new elements of design such as building services to blend with the wartime character of the site. We very much value the contribution that Crick-Smith brought to these projects and would welcome the opportunity to work with Crick-Smith again. 

Janie Price, Kennedy O'Callaghan Architects

We launched the RETROSPECTIVE paint collection of genuine colours from the 1960 and 1970s.  During the selection process it became clear that Crick-Smith, not only had the research & technical ability to carry out the project, but, that they had very clear ideas about the process - this was reassuring to us as we needed the work completed within a tight timescale.  We also felt they fully understood the commercial implications of their work. 

David Mottershead, the Little Greene Paint Company