Your Questions Answered
FAQs
What kind of work does Britain & Co do?
We are a specialist heritage decoration and conservation practice. Our work spans historic decoration, gilding, decorative painting such as marbling, graining and murals, traditional finishes including limewash and distemper, and the conservation of painted and gilded surfaces. We are brought in where historical understanding, craft skill and sensitive decision-making matter.
Do you work on listed buildings?
Yes. Most of our work is in listed buildings, and we have worked on hundreds of them, including many at Grade I and Grade II*, as well as museums, churches, palaces and historic houses. We understand consent requirements and work closely with architects, surveyors and conservation officers to make sure decoration is appropriate, reversible where required, and properly documented.
Are you accredited?
Yes. Cathy Britain is an Icon-accredited Conservator-Restorer (ACR) with a postgraduate building conservation qualification from the Architectural Association, and a former Chair of the Traditional Paint Forum. Chris Britain is a master decorator whose awards include the Rose Bowl, the highest award in decoration, and a medal for his part in the restoration of Windsor Castle. Both are Freemen of the Painters-Stainers Company.
Who do you typically work for?
Architects, interior designers, conservation professionals, main contractors and private clients. On larger projects we usually work as a specialist subcontractor alongside the main contractor and design team; on private commissions we work directly for the client from first consultation to completion.
Where do you work?
We are based in London and work throughout London and the South East, and across the UK for significant heritage projects. Recent work ranges from central London clubs, museums and palaces to schools, churches and country houses further afield.
Will you visit the site before quoting?
Yes, wherever possible. Seeing the surfaces, the light and the condition of a space is the only reliable way to price specialist work. Following a visit we provide a clear written estimate setting out the works, the finishes and the programme.
Can you tell us what paint and decoration was originally used in our building?
Yes. We carry out historic paint analysis, taking small samples and examining them to reveal earlier schemes, colours and materials. The findings can guide an authentic redecoration or simply record the building’s history before new work begins.
Can you match or recreate historic finishes?
Yes, this is one of our particular strengths. We hand-mix colours, recreate period techniques such as graining, marbling, stencilling and trompe l’oeil, and gild in genuine gold and other metal leafs using both oil and water gilding. Where an existing scheme survives, we can conserve and repair it rather than repaint.
How do we start a project with you?
Simply call or email us with a brief outline of the building and the work you have in mind. We will arrange a conversation or a site visit, and from there provide an estimate. For tenders, we are happy to work from drawings, specifications and schedules of work in the usual way.