Lee is a Building Historian and Conservation Specialist based in Shropshire. His passions revolve around conserving our built heritage and protecting the status of craftsmanship, whilst renovating his 1820s farmhouse in Shropshire.
A former Project Manager at English Heritage, he is a freelance writer, lecturer, and consultant, coupled with working with the conservation specialists Recclesia on a vast range of projects across the UK. He enjoys exploring places, their art and architecture, and always looks to further his knowledge through academic research, as well as travelling, reading, and experiencing our built environment first hand. |
Lecturing
One of the principal areas of Lee's freelance work is providing specialist lectures and corporate CPD covering conservation, built heritage, and craftsmanship. He is a regular contributor to Birmingham City University's Conservation of the Historic Environment Course, covering topics on glass, fanlights, decorative leadwork, and heritage ironwork - and has also provided lectures for Birmingham University, The Princes Foundation's Building Craft Programme, and a range of Architects and heritage groups.
Publications & Media
Period Living
Since mid 2019 I have had the pleasure of writing features for Period Living Magazine - my first commissioned series ran for 9 pieces. Each explored a different style and it’s nuances of the defining periods in British architectural history - offering the readership tips and advice on maintenance and conservation for their period homes.
Take a look at some of my work on Muck Rack |
Other MediaOver the years I have contributed to various specialist national campaigns by the likes of the CITB, along with regional interviews for the BBC on conservation projects.
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Heritage Consultancy
Over the years I have provided specialist services on a vast range of projects for organisations such as English Heritage, Cadw, The Palace of Westminster, The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and The HMS Victory Preservation Trust. My approach is distinguished by my academic background and experienced application within the heritage/conservation sector. My Freelance Services: - Historic building and built environment research. - Offering assistance with planning and listed building applications, and conditions; through the provision of detailed conservation reports and heritage assessments. In addition to my freelance work I am a senior manager at Recclesia: a successful, family run, multi-disciplined conservation and repair specialist. Their work in the conservation sector covers all manner of conservation needs to historic/listed buildings and structures, churches and ancient monuments, and are regularly commissioned to provide consultancy services and specialist conservation services such as Laser Cleaning. Through our continued experience within the heritage sector, as a team we have developed a constructive approach to conservation which we believe can help ensure any works carried out in historic environments or on historic buildings are cost efficient, and to the highest possible heritage standards. |
Memberships and Accreditations
Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) - Fellow
THe Linnean Society of London - Fellow
Royal Institution - Member
ICOMOS (The International Council on Monuments and Sites) - UK Member
The Traditional Architecture Group of the RIBA - Member
IHBC (The Institute of Historic Building Conservation) - Affiliate - Seeking Associate/Full Accreditation
ICON (The institute of conservation) - Associate
SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) - Member and supporter of scholarship and fellowship programmes
My thoughts...
We all need to keep pressing issues in our sector and inspiring people to appreciate Building History.
The notion of craftsmanship and the approaches it entails is crucial for the collective memories and sustainability of communities, our personal development as individuals, but can also be a potent economic and environmental asset.
The notion of craftsmanship and the approaches it entails is crucial for the collective memories and sustainability of communities, our personal development as individuals, but can also be a potent economic and environmental asset.
I fashion it so that when I depart, those who come after me shall find it fair and beautiful |
Given the importance and prevalence, no matter how nuanced, of craftsmanship within our built heritage, it seems all to obvious that the role of a craftsman is pivotal in successful, honest, and respectful conservation work. |