Facing the devastation that follows fire or flood damage?

When precious porcelain or a hand-worked fabric suffers damage, there’s no hesitation in consulting an expert for its repair. Sadly, the same is not always true when fire or flood water ravages timbered features in historic buildings. Insensitive restoration can put major details such as panelling, flooring and furniture at risk of further degradation - or of their provenance being lost forever. Specialist conservators, Vincent Reed and his team are outstanding in this field, taking every care to protect your investment.

“Period timber features are a rare and accurate glimpse into the past. I am dedicated to ensuring that these valuable and individual characteristics are preserved; whilst maintaining a balance with the needs of the owner to live in, and enjoy the space.”

VINCENT REED

Our approach and methodology

Vincent and his team have the skills and commitment to approach every restoration and conservation project with absolute professionalism and strict attention to historic detail.

Under Vincent’s expert guidance, you can be confident that your period wood features and furniture will be restored to the highest possible standards, thanks to over thirty years experience in the field; and Vincent’s self-confessed perfectionism, honed by clients of the calibre of England’s Historic Royal Palaces, English Heritage and the National Trust.

As well as a love and respect for timber and traditional woodworking techniques, you can be sure that Vincent insists on using original artisan methods and materials, guaranteeing the highest standard of finish: one that will stand the test of time.

Liaising with other Professionals

Not only does Vincent offer a bespoke design and installation service, faithfully replicating or replacing details as closely as possible, even where they seem beyond repair; he carries out a full assessment of the damage to your house, advises you on all possible options, always balancing conservation with your living needs; and liaises fully on your behalf with your listed buildings officer, Historic England and your insurers, where appropriate.

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Disaster Strikes a Norfolk Manor House

A leak in the attic caused extensive damage to this 17th century manor house, requiring complex and sensitive restoration.

Case study: safe removal of panelling in a Tudor Manor House, its restoration and expert reinstatement

Vincent Reed was the period woodwork specialist recommended to assess and restore the considerable flood damage to panelling in several historic rooms of this Tudor home. By the time it was discovered, cascading water from a burst pipe in the attic in early 2017, had split and warped reclaimed 17th and 18th century oak panels in the dining room; also the original oak panelling dated to the 19th century in the drawing room; and a fine oak fire surround in the drawing room. Closer inspection of the older panelling revealed its true age and a pre-mechanised style of construction that only someone of Vincent’s authority in the field could identify and correctly and aesthetically restore to its former glory.

Discovering and Dismantling a flooded Grade II listed home

The owners did not discover the catastrophic effects of water cascading through the ceilings of their beautiful Grade II listed home, until they returned from holiday some days later. Aware of the historical and financial implications of inexpert restoration, they commissioned Vincent Reed as leader in this field, to explore the extent of the damage and to make a plan for its conservation that would satisfy both building officers and insurers. Vincent’s target was to fully restore the historic fabric of this fine building and reinstate the room as it was before the flood damage.

The panelling in the dining room and drawing room was cracked and split, showing signs of cupping and warping; it was essential that it should be repaired in an environment where temperature and humidity could be controlled: so the decision was made to remove it completely and transfer the timbers to our workshop in East Sussex, where…

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Vincent Reed Fire and flood in the media & blog

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