Authenticity is a much-prized attribute in 2018, maybe even a media buzzword in an era of ‘fake news’. Conservation architecture is, by definition, associated with notions of preserving historical legitimacy. However, if it is to remain current and meaningful to the professional talent pool of today that should not mean it must become a backward-looking sector. Optimising the lifespan of a restored structure and minimising its environmental impact might mean integrating modern-day materials and involving cutting-edge techniques such as selective laser sintering or 3D-printing and weather-resistant automotive paint.

This was the approach taken in our recent restoration of the Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens, London. David Millar, Head of Conservation at Austin:SmithLord, explains more in this short video….