Established in 1995, McNeilage Conservation is a Devon-based partnership undertaking projects throughout England and Wales.
We specialise in two distinct yet complementary areas:
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The conservation of wall and panel paintings
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The conservation of church monuments and statuary, along with the repair of decorative or carved stone and plasterwork
This dual specialism enables us to offer informed advice on a wide range of issues—from the treatment of surviving polychromy on church monuments to structural concerns affecting wall paintings.
Our clients include:
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Cathedrals and parish churches
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English Heritage
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The National Trust
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The Landmark Trust
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The Churches Conservation Trust
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Private individuals
Both partners are accredited conservators with the Institute of Conservation (Icon).
In addition to our UK-based work, we have worked extensively overseas—on both practical projects and in education—in Italy, Sicily, Romania, Canada, Belgium, Finland, and Israel.
McNeilage Conservation brings together the skills of two conservators, each with over thirty years’ experience in the conservation of historic fabric. Both began with academic studies, followed by specialised practical training, forming a foundation for a comprehensive, thoughtful approach to the conservation of cultural heritage.
We are actively involved in the professional conservation community: attending conferences, delivering lectures, and publishing papers.
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Torquil McNeilage has been a member of the SPAB Technical Panel for over fifteen years and is an active member of the Church Monuments Society.
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Both partners have served on ICON committees; Ruth McNeilage is currently a member of the Stone and Wall Paintings Committee.
Professional Backgrounds
Ruth McNeilage holds a degree in History and a postgraduate diploma in Architectural Conservation. She worked for eight years as a conservator at Herbert Read Ltd, followed by postgraduate study at ICCROM in Rome. Ruth subsequently joined the MPC team at ICCROM for two years before returning to the UK to establish an independent practice.
Torquil McNeilage studied English Medieval Studies, followed by the Architectural Conservation Diploma at Weymouth College and further study at ICCROM in Venice. In 1992, he was awarded the SPAB William Morris Craft Fellowship. After eight years working with leading conservation practices, he founded McNeilage Conservation.
Our Approach
Working on the principle of minimum intervention, we offer:
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Condition assessments
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Diagnostic investigations
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Materials analysis
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Fully documented conservation treatments
We work with a close-knit team of experienced conservators who are known to us and committed to ongoing professional development. A key principle of the practice is that one partner is always present on site, overseeing daily decision-making. We also collaborate regularly with specialists in other fields to ensure a well-rounded, interdisciplinary approach to every project.