[HBP#40] - Louis Curtis - Historic Timber Frames

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Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Louis Curtis, founder of Breakspear Conservation, to discuss his journey from school and kitchen fitting into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Curtis shares how he developed his skills through the Building Crafts College and specialist timber frame repair courses, as well as a formative early project repairing a major eight-bay barn. He explains how enthusiasm, practical problem-solving, and a willingness to take on challenging work helped him establish his career in conservation.

The conversation also explores the realities of running a small conservation business, including pricing work on historic buildings, managing unknowns, investigating existing structures, and setting realistic expectations with clients. Curtis discusses completing the MSc in Timber Building Conservation at the Weald and Downland Museum, support from the QUEST Scholarship and business training, his dissertation research into historic lime finishes and evidence of formerly plastered timber frames, and an experimental archaeology project in Copenhagen recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss using traditional tools.

Topics covered include:

• Louis Curtis's journey into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair

• Training at the Building Crafts College and learning through practical experience

• Repairing historic timber frames, including a major eight-bay barn

• Running a small conservation business, pricing work, and managing unknowns in old buildings

• The MSc in Timber Building Conservation, QUEST Scholarship, and business training

• Research into historic lime finishes, formerly plastered timber frames, and experimental archaeology

• Recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss in Copenhagen using traditional tools