Heritage painting and decorating services
Artisan Painting and Decorating specialises in heritage decorating projects. Company director, Andrew Bradley has a master’s degree in Historic Building Conservation and 38 years of painting and decorating experience, much of which was attained in historical building environments.
We have successfully completed projects as a heritage decorator in significant and important buildings such as the Royal Academy of Arts, The Savoy Hotel, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Knole House.
Heritage painting and decorating requires subject knowledge and understanding, as well as skill and attention to detail. Our staff are highly experienced in dealing with the needs of historied buildings and their custodians, so you can be sure that in working with us, you are in the right hands.
Heritage decorating
Before diving into any heritage decorating task it is important to first consider what currently exists and what went before, with a view to conserving or sympathetically improving the look and character of the building’s design features. Immediately stripping back old paint or plaster can erase irreplaceable history. It is equally important to identify and select the right materials from the wide range of painting and decorating products on the market.
At Artisan Painting & Decorating, we are specialists in conserving and restoring historic interiors. A full list of our decorating services is identified along with some examples of decorating ideas and projects elsewhere on this website. We work with the best products and suppliers and are not affiliated to any manufacturers, ensuring you receive the best impartial advice and workmanship.
If your home is listed or in a conservation area you should seek expert advice before making any changes, as consent may be required from the planning department of your local authority.
Decorating a listed building
There are some specific requirements to consider when decorating a listed building. You may need to get permission for external redecoration work if this would change the character of the building, for example by changing the colour scheme, brightness of the colour palette or treating previously untreated areas. It is always good practice to take account of local approaches to decorating and reflect this in your own property for harmony and consistency.
If your property is Grade I or II* listed it may be appropriate to use traditional paints with lead pigment or high solvent content (VOC’s). These types of products are restricted under environmental legislation and Historic England is responsible for approving the supply and use of lead paint in England. We can complete the necessary declaration paperwork through our material suppliers and it usually takes several weeks to receive a reply.
Due to these factors, painting listed buildings is something that should be carefully considered. For more guidance please refer to the Historic England website.
Make us your chosen heritage decorator
Contact us with details of your property, its history and status, and the painting and decorating work required. We will be happy to review it, answer any questions and compile an estimate for you. Consultancy services are also available to heritage decorating clients, ensuring you benefit from an experienced opinion when evaluating how to best present, restore or conserve your chosen environment.
We operate across the UK with particular focus on London and the South East. Our decorators are reliable, conscientious and tidy, the number one aim is customer satisfaction!
Being paired with Artisan Plastercraft means we can also combine with any requirements for heritage plasterwork restoration, including decorative mouldings and lath and lime plaster.
Looking for inspiration? Browse a selection of our completed decoration work
Consultancy
Decorating Consultancy enables you to benefit from years of experience and an expert opinion. We can assist with choosing colour palette, patterns and layout, suitable brands and identifying the correct materials for decorating your space, be it period or contemporary. It’s not just paint, we also consult on wallpaper, wood treatments and specialist finishes – see our Services page for details. We are not affiliated with any manufacturers meaning you receive unbiased advice.