Crick Smith

“The National Trust has used the services of Crick Smith University of Lincoln for paint research on a wide variety of projects over the past 15 years. Their depth of knowledge and detailed documentation contributes significantly to the overall understanding of the decorative history of our properties. Crick Smith UL's professionalism ensures that the project objectives are clearly defined, the work is completed on time and within budget.”

“Crick Smith University of Lincoln 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. ”

“Crick Smith University of Lincoln are great fun to work with, both personable and professional 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.”

“Crick Smith University of Lincoln has undertaken a number of commissions in relation to projects under my direction, most recently for Lincoln College, Oxford and The Goldsmiths’ Company. Services provided have included the analysis and interpretation of historic decorative schemes and the conservation of gilded statuary requiring research and the carving and replacement of missing elements.”

“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.”

“Crick Smith University of Lincoln always produce a clear and detailed report of their research, providing archive information and images where available. I value the advice of Crick Smith UL when we, and our clients, are trying to restore or recapture the effect of a historic paint scheme, in the 21st century. They have a knowledge of currently available paints and varnishes to give the effect of the historic finishes whilst meeting the client’s expectations for lifespan and maintenance within the current legislation (on hazardous materials).”

“We were pleased to learn on our recent appointment for the restoration of the Cast Courts at the V&A, that Crick Smith UL had already been appointed directly by the V&A to undertake extensive paint research. Their recent presentation of research undertaken revealed evidence of a detailed decorative scheme, which is informing our current proposals.”

“My colleagues at Julian Harrap Architects have worked successfully with Crick Smith UL at The Learned Societies at Burlington House, Piccadilly, grade II listed: Royal Geographical Society and  the Royal Society for Chemistry,  and at Wren’s church St Mary le Bow, Cheapside London, grade I listed.”

Donald Insall Associates have worked with Crick Smith, University of Lincoln for several years and, in particular on developing colours for the Covent Garden Market Building. Here they have been instrumental in both carrying out site analysis of the historic colours of the shed structures and the shop fronts but also in advising on palettes of period colours that would be appropriate for redecoration.

We have always had a good and creative relationship with them. They have brought both technical, and historical knowledge to the projects but combined this with a creative understanding which has been of great value.

"RHWL Architects worked with Crick Smith UL from the earliest stages of the project, through the planning process and then into the tender stages and construction phases, including a particularly sensitive period following a fire which damaged some of the most important original decorative schemes. They also contributed throughout the consultation processes with English Heritage and other conservation authorities.

Crick Smith UL carried out a wide range of services in order to help bring this landmark building back to its original magnificence, displaying a great depth of knowledge and an impressive attention to detail. All members of the team had the most professional approach at all times

RHWL Architects would welcome the opportunity to work with them again at any time."

The Little Greene Paint Company is launching the 'Retrospectives' paint collection comprising 32 stunning - and - genuine colours from the 1960s and 1970s.  Crick Smith were commissioned by Little Greene and English Heritage to identify and research the interior design history of these two iconic decades.

"During the selection process it became clear that the Crick Smith team not only had the research and technical ability to carry out our project, but, that it 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 that the team understood fully the commercial implications of their work."

Bernard Taylor Partnership has worked with Crick Smith Conservation on three recent projects within the practice. At all stages, from the initial and subsequently detailed investigation through to implementation on site, we have developed a collaborative working relationship with their team. Crick Smith’s analytical approach combined with their extensive historic knowledge base has brought fresh dimensions to these projects which have been both stimulating and creative.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Plymouth Grove, Manchester: A period restoration of the home of novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, a rare survivor of an early Victorian Villa in the Greek Revival style in Manchester (Grade II*).

This included intricate paint analysis and the surveying of existing wallpapers to inform decisions about the restoration proposals.  External paint analysis of surviving render was carried out to enable a replication of lime wash colours to the new lime render finish which was completed by the main contractor in 2010.

 Etwall Almshouses, South Derbyshire: Redecoration of the 17^th century archway memorials.(Grade II*)

This included paint analysis and investigation together with the implementation of the final decoration scheme using lead based paints with natural pigments including lamp black and lapis lazuli mixed by Crick Smith.

Spring Bank Arts Centre, St. James the Less, New Mills:  The conversion of St James the Less church (Grade II) into a Community Arts Centre.

This included the analysis of paint surfaces to the decorative scheme on the interior of the Church. The process has revealed hidden details and gilded images which will be restored as a permanent record. Based on the research the intention is to recreate on the west wall the original stencil scheme dating to 1880.