It is 40 years since the ‘lime method’ of stone conservation – as developed by Robert and Eve Baker – started to be used for the conservation of the external statuary at Wells Cathedral. Since then it has been the basis for conservation programmes to many historic buildings both in the UK and abroad. This one-day symposium, supported by Historic England sets out to review the practical and aesthetic results achieved, assess developments in the methodology and identify how it might be improved or amended in the future.

Speakers include David Odgers and Clifford Price, focusing on the use of lime to repair the West front, and there will be presentations of case studies from other locations around the country. There will be an opportunity to view the sculptures at Wells Cathedral, led by some of the conservators working on the West Front, and the afternoon will include a led technical forum giving all participants the chance to put their questions and thoughts forward. Lunch will be provided.