Welcome

Institute For Research & Conservation of Historic Decoration

Crick Smith Conservation Researchers and Advisors on Historic Decoration

Crick Smith Conservation was established in June 1996 by Ian Crick and Michael Smith. Since that point, the consultancy has undertaken architectural paint research on more than 400 historic properties, throughout the British Isles, for a range of clients responsible for the built heritage. We can offer this service to anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of their building or having to make decisions about future decoration.

Michael Smith in the Crick Smith laboratory at the University of Lincoln

Our methodology combines archival research with microscopic examination of paint samples, in cross-section, taken from key chosen elements of the space to be investigated. Using this technique, it is possible to clarify the decorative history of a room, building or its exterior. These findings are crucial to the detective work that informs interpretation of the often complex story of an historic building and Crick Smith, as part of the project team, help the custodians make decisions as to how it should be interpreted to the public.

 Ian Crick using a spectrophotometer to analyse the colour of historic paint in situ

Architectural paint research is currently a prerequisite for certain government grant aid for development projects for listed buildings. Crick Smith, therefore, work closely with representatives from English Heritage and have also undertaken extensive research for the National Trust. The Crick Smith portfolio of successfully completed projects includes a wide range of buildings and structures from historic milestones to Royal Palaces. 

Crick Smith were commissioned to investigate the historic milestones along the A5 (engineered by Thomas Telford). Using our findings The Welsh Assembly Government  were able to sensitively refurbish all  84 cast iron plates on the stones

Our research at Kew Palace for Historic Royal Palaces informed the restoration project that preceded it's opening  to visitors in 2006

Since October 2006, Crick Smith has operated under the umbrella of the University of Lincoln, Conservation Unit and has been able to develop into allied fields of investigation and conservation relevant to the understanding, preservation and interpretation of historic buildings. We also participate in the International Committee for Architectural Paint Research and have been at the forefront in developing standards in this field.