About
Richard Ireland is the UK's leading conservation consultant for the repair, conservation and restoration of historic decorative plaster and paint. He operates as an independent consultant and as an adviser on plasterwork for Historic England Building Conservation and Research Team. In addition, Richard advises many public bodies including English Heritage, Westminster City Council, Historic Royal Palaces, Royal Household Property Services, Office of Public Works Ireland, National Trust, Historic Scotland and Ecclesiastical organisations.
Specialising in plain and decorative plaster, internal and external finishes, paint analysis, and the reinstatement of historic schemes, Richard's projects typically involve a combination of archaeological investigation, scientific analysis, and contextual historic research. He provides on site direction to his specifications and liaises between client and contractor to ensure best possible outcome, working within listed building regulations and alongside local authority conservation officers.
He also teaches and lectures in his subject to other academics and professionals as well as to the more general public and is widely published.
Richard's role in the guardianship of important buildings has received considerable recognition. Having worked at the forefront of the groundbreaking restoration of Uppark House in the 1990s, Richard became chairman of the Traditional Paint Forum, received the Honorary Freedom of The Worshipful Company of Painter Stainers, and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London. His projects encompass a diverse spectrum of historically significant buildings, from small farmhouse interiors, to major works such as the British Museum and The Holy Sepulchre Jerusalem.