About Me

Elizabeth Hirst is the Principal Conservator and Director of Hirst Conservation Ltd, a multi-disciplinary organisation encompassing a wide range of skills and technical expertise, which she founded in 1986. Under the direction of Elizabeth, Hirst Conservation Ltd provides a holistic approach to conservation of the building envelope and associated surfaces.

Elizabeth has extensive knowledge and experience of a wide range of disciplines, including stone, plaster, decorative finishes, wall paintings, materials analysis, paint research, easel paintings conservation and production of traditional paints. With over 40 years’ experience in a wide range of conservation disciplines she oversees all of Hirst’s projects as well as working ‘hands on’, and is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the business management and development. Her company works across the UK and internationally. 

Elizabeth believes in the importance of  disseminating conservation knowledge and ethics, and achieves this through numerous talks and publications, including as a consultant editor of the Journal of Architectural Conservation.  Under her direction, Hirst Conservation liaises with research and teaching institutions and offers student internships and placements to encourage communication between academia and craftsmanship.  Through such platforms and by working on internationally high profile projects, she has developed an extensive network of highly experienced colleagues in a range of related fields. This allows a much greater breadth of knowledge both through formal consultation and informal liaison than would otherwise be accessible from any single perspective.

Elizabeth is accredited member of Institute of Conservation (ACR, ICON), full member of The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), and fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Other memberships include the Stone Federation of Great Britain, Royal Archaeological Institute, International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Society of the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Association for Preservation Technology International (APT), Royal Microscopic Society, Traditional Paint Forum and the Building Limes Forum.   She is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Masons.

It is Elizabeth’s ethos that informed conservation - synergy of research and practical conservation - will enable her team to develop and implement informed guidelines, specifications and treatments. Elizabeth's personable and dynamic approach to technically complex projects has seen her become the 'go to' adviser for many conservation architect and institutions, who value her input, knowledge and energy. She has successfully advised and completed numerous conservation and restoration/recreation projects for clients including Historic Royal Palaces, Royal Household, National Trust, Historic England, Historic Scotland and CADW, Parliamentary Estates Department and other government agencies, as well as for ecclesiastical clients and international projects.