Testimonial by Matt Trendall, Rector of St Mary’s Church Wavendon, Bucks, May 2019
We are absolutely delighted with the work done by David Sleight and his team, managing a project to replace our chancel roof this Spring. David was a pleasure to work with: conscientious, polite, very organised, hardworking, flexible and above all, extremely skilled in his work. As an 800-year old Grade II* listed church, our new roof required handmade tiles, repairs to old stonework and a complex scaffolding solution avoiding the risk of damage to graves and stained glass windows. David managed everything with meticulous attention to detail, great care and finesse. His communication throughout was excellent: we were always well-informed and he liaised extremely effectively with both the scaffolding and roofing contractors. The project was on-time and on-budget throughout, and the final result looks fantastic! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sleight Conservation to any prospective clients, especially anyone requiring conservation specialists – they are worth every penny.
Testimonial by Professor John Ashurst (Architect, D Arch RIBA)
David Sleight has provided practical training to craftsmen and conservators, as well as to architects and surveyors, relating to the repair and conservation of historic masonry for over fifteen years. This training service was provided both for English Heritage at their centre at Fort Brockhurst and subsequently for British Waterways.
He is familiar with all types of traditional brick and stone masonry, stemming from many years working on sites of major historic importance and with the best conservation materials and techniques. He is a proven exponent of good practice”
Note:
Professor Ashurst worked in private architecture practices before joining the Ministry of Public Building Works (Ancient Monuments Division), and progressing in his career to principal architect for English Heritage in charge of research, technical advice and training.
Following his extensive career with English Heritage John became a freelance consultant leading to his appointment as Professor of Heritage Conservation at Bournemouth University and the establishment of specialist courses in conservation training and a historic building consultancy which subsequently transferred to a private practice specialising in the conservation of historic buildings and archaeological sites.
John was co-author of English Heritage’s Practical Building Conservation volumes, co-author of Butterworth Heinemann’s Conservation of Building and Decorative Stone and author of Mortars, Plasters and Renders, published by the EASA, of which was is an honourable member. John passed away in May 2008, he will be missed by architects and craftsmen alike and will never be replaced.