About
At Arbley Heritage, we are deeply passionate about preserving the historic buildings that grace our country's landscape, utilising both traditional materials and methods. Our founder, Edward Arblaster, initially ventured into heritage crafts through blacksmithing and conservation metalwork in 2011. This experience served as a stepping stone, leading to a broader range of projects, including collaborations with master craftsmen and women, architects, and designers through the Princes Foundation.
Our team boasts extensive experience in multiple heritage trades, such as stonewalling, the use of lime mortars and plasters, timber framing, roofing, and masonry. We have worked on several prestigious projects, including Chatsworth House, National Trust Brockhampton, Grimsthorpe Castle, Llanaber Church, Stowe Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, and more.
Based out of north Derbyshire and the peak district, Arbley Heritage specialises in historic building work, conservation, and maintenance, as well as traditional building techniques for new builds. We work intimately with architects, conservation officers, and consultants, ensuring meticulous execution of projects of any scale.
Our services
Traditional Building Work
We offer comprehensive services for both listed building maintenance and refurbishment, as well as utilising traditional building techniques for new constructions. Our expertise extends to project management, whether for the entire process or specific periods. Rest assured, we approach all projects with enthusiasm and commitment.
If you've recently acquired a listed building and require direction on how to proceed, we can provide full project management services. This includes consultation with the conservation officer, obtaining documents for listed building consent and planning permission, architectural drawings, statement of significance, method statement, building surveyance, quantity surveyance, cost analysis, material analysis, risk assessments, project plans, timeframes, and all on-site and off-site work until completion.
Condition reports, Heritage Statements and Method Statements
Arbley Heritage collaborates with a team of proficient historic consultants and conservation specialists who offer comprehensive documentation for planning permissions concerning listed buildings and conservation areas. With these partnerships, we possess a wealth of resources and expertise to ensure seamless execution of these projects, adhering to the applicable legislation instituted to protect these structures. Our heritage statements outline the historic and significant fabric of the building, including original features and any modifications made over time, such as changes in ownership or usage. On the other hand, our method statements provide a detailed account of the intended works, including the techniques and materials required, along with any necessary specifications.
Bespoke designs and commissions
In addition, we also specialise in singular and distinctive installations. These bespoke creations may comprise garden sculptures, interior decor, outdoor structures, or public art installations. Our team of artisans has the proficiency to craft custom pieces utilising metal, stone, and timber. Our repertoire includes, but is not limited to, pergolas, trellises, gates, tables, chairs, balustrading and again sculptural artwork. We are committed to transforming your vision into reality.
Timber
Traditional timber jointing is a superior and enduring technique. Mortise and tenon joints retain their strength and stability, even when working with green oak, which is known to warp and split over time.
For large framework projects, we engage specialist contractors in Post and Truss, Box, and Cruck framing. Post-and-truss construction is the most prevalent type of timber-framed building that has stood the test of time.
We employ advanced joinery and furniture techniques, both for modern and historical structures, to restore and preserve panelling, windows, doors, and other wooden elements. In instances where the existing wood has deteriorated significantly, we splice new timber to ensure the integrity of the structure.
We use "Repair care," a specialised wood resin recommended by Historic England, for preservation work, allowing for repairs rather than outright replacement.
Our in-house team can manage decorative timber pieces and carving, unless the intricate detailing necessitates outsourcing to a woodcarver.
We specialise in crafting solid wood and parquet flooring, staircases, window frames, doorways, pergolas, and garden structures.
Stone
Our services include both wet and dry stone walling, and all mortars specified will be lime-based using coarse and fine aggregates. Stone replacement and replication will be undertaken where necessary. We have on-site stone masons available to dress and face stone, in addition to offering decorative stonework and stone carving services. For more elaborate carving such as grotesques, bosses, and gargoyles, we outsource to experienced stone carvers that we often sub contract.
We also offer services in flagstone flooring, paving, and stone tile roofing.
Plaster
Lime plaster and render can be applied both internally and externally. For stone or brickwork, a three-coat system can be used, including scratch, float, and finishing. The addition of horse or goat hair within the lime mix may enhance bonding strength if required. Wood wool carrier boards will be utilised where necessary, and insulation can be applied before a one-coat lime plaster. Hydraulic lime or natural putty can equally be used.
Many historic buildings feature decorative plasterwork such as mouldings and cast elements. In listed buildings, these elements are often historically significant and require restoration or replacement. Our team has experience in a wide range of decorative plasterwork, including pargetting, which is executed freehand without casting. As this process involves gradually building up the plaster, it can be a time-consuming process.
Brick
All bricklaying and the repair or replacement of existing brickwork. For new bricks, it's essential to ensure a close match to the original bricks, and handmade bricks can be sourced to achieve this. For uniformity, the mortar used should be consistent throughout, with lime mortar employed for older brickwork and a cement lime blend or a 5:1 ratio of cement to sand, common for late Victorian brickwork.
Metal
We specialize in a range of metalwork projects, tailored to each client's unique needs. Our commission-based approach ensures that no two projects are alike. Regardless of budget constraints, we strive to provide a solution that meets your requirements. Additionally, we're pleased to offer design consultation services to assist in achieving your envisioned outcome.
Conservation and restoration
Many individuals are unaware of the vast range of metalwork and the historical significance of its techniques. Prior to Bessemer steel, wrought iron was the most commonly used metal, and its age can be determined by its uniformity, indicating whether it was pre or post rolling mills. Additionally, cast iron was prevalent during the Victorian era but had poor tensile strength and was prone to damage. Today, modern cast SG iron is much more durable. When restoring metalwork, it can be challenging to assess the extent of repairs required, often requiring a high skill level to match the work of master blacksmiths from the past. Our team has worked on numerous notable projects, including Chatsworth House, Pembroke College, Woburn Abbey, and the College of Arms, among others.
Modern blacksmithing and fabrications
Our new projects will primarily use mild steel due to its ease of forging and welding while maintaining a uniform grain structure with minimal defects. We blend traditional blacksmithing techniques with modern means to reduce costs while preserving the desired aesthetic. To ensure longevity, we may employ galvanising or zinc protection methods, and a variety of finishes can be applied to the final product. Our metalwork capabilities span a broad spectrum, including gates, railings, handrails, balustrades, furniture, brackets, grilles, screens, garden features, sculptures, and companion sets. If it's metal, we have the expertise to craft it.
Other Work Undertaken
Design
Whether you have a design in mind or not we can help you realise your vision. We work with various architects; interpreting and consulting to ensure the best solutions. We also do our own design work where possible.
Sculpture
If you have a unique idea or project but are unsure of how to make it a reality, we take on artistic projects in metal, stone or wood for various installations and have contributed to a variety of public art as well as private clients.
General Building Work
Whether you require traditional or contemporary building work, such as kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, etc., feel free to contact us, and we'll endeavor to accommodate your needs or provide you with suitable recommendations.
Contact Information
Phone / Mobile Number
07711836376
E-mail Address
arbleyheritage@outlook.com
If you have any queries or would like to talk to us regarding a project please get in touch and we will be more than happy to discuss further.
Or If you are in the heritage building sector; Traditional crafts people, Architects or Consultants in heritage management. We would love to hear from you about working together in future.
