David Adamson ACR

South Essex

Projects

High level Conservation Survey of major historic buildings in Ipswich for Ipswich Borough Council.

Completed: July 2021 View Case Study

$PROJECT - Stabilisation, cleaning and conservation assessment of Roman stone sculpture comprising 1no. main body and 1no. head (SF123, C1304; Project Code: EX FLT 23) Size – Head 135mm x 210mm x 150mm Body 700mm x 200mm x 540mm Initial observations – The sculpture was fully encased in damp burnt pyre remains. This was beginning to crack as it dried. Treatment– The sculpture was carefully cleaned with deionised water and soft brushes, some of the harder burnt pyre remains were removed using dental tools keeping clear of the substrate. When some of the pyre remains where removed and examined they had a slight dusting of stone, a fragment was also found in the spoils (RS01). Once all remains were removed the sculpture was poulticed in acid free tissue paper and allowed to dry. When checked there was no sign of efflorescence on the substrate. The sculpture was observed over 4 days, with no salts visible. We did find three areas that required consolidation. These were treated with a 3% solution of Paraloid B72 in acetone (W/V). The lower RHS had slight cracking, possibly caused by the heat of the embers, plus 2 of the fingers were friable and required consolidation. Fig no.1 Showing in red areas treated with Paraloid B72. Findings – We found no sign of poly-chrome. The front of the sculpture has banding of an orange colour which we feel may be the results of the stone being burnt on the still hot embers. This is not as apparent on the back. We feel the breaking of the head from the body had been carried out about the same time that the sculpture was buried. The break on the head had fractures which tapered to a fragile feather edge. This tapering would be broken off with ease with frequent handling. The fragment was used for microscopic identification of the stone. 20x Magnification of RS01. The shape of the granuals and the colour and texture of the sample would indicate that the sculpture is made from Kentish Rag or possibly Hassock stone.$

Conservation of Roman Sculpture For The Canterbury Archaeological Trust Limited

Completed: October 2023 View Case Study

Epping War Memorial

Completed: October 2022 View Case Study

About Me

With over 35 years experience of Working with stone and historic fabric David Adamson Accredited Conservator Restorer has the experience and skills to tackle any conservation project, from initial surveys, analysing the condition of a building, monument or object, through to the practical completion of a project with full treatment report.

David Adamson started his career as an apprentice stonemason in 1987, obtaining City & Guilds Advanced Stonemasonry in 1990.

In 1993 David enrolled on the Bournemouth University course Architectural Conservation of Stone and achieved a postgraduate diploma.

After training as a conservator David worked for a number of conservation workshops until setting up Adamson Conservation Ltd.

David is pleased to discuss any prospective projects or queries concerning all aspects of stone conservation. Adamson Conservation looks forward to hearing from you.

Training

October 1989 - August 1992

City & Guilds Advanced Stonemasonry at Greater Titchfield, London.

August 1995 - July 1996

Bournemouth University course Architectural Conservation of Stone, achieved a postgraduate diploma.

June 2011 - June 2011

Training and Personal Development. · Runner-up: SPAB John Betjeman award 2009. · Member of Icon and achieved Accreditation in Conservation and Restoration 2009. · West Dean College Preventative Conservation. 2009 · Stone Health Ltd Correct use of Doff and Torc systems.2007

Work History

Are you an Accredited conservator?

Submit a request form and build your Upgraded Listing

Submit Request

Our Sponsor

We are currently seeking a sponsor. Could this be your company?