AUTHENTIC LIME TECHNOLOGY FOR THE MODERN WORLD

Profound experience and specialist knowledge...

Harry Cursham, the founder and Director of Lime Works Limited, is an acclaimed innovator and a highly respected specialist in the analysis, manufacture and application of authentic environmentally friendly, lime-based materials. His passionate interest in the restoration of heritage buildings was sparked in the 1980s, when working for one of the country’s leading conservation repair companies. He gained knowledge and experience in all disciplines of the historic building repair trades; learning the theories, the traditional hands-on crafts and specialist skills that are essential for the correct and sympathetic repair of ancient structures. He is an expert stone mason involved with carving and fixing – a specialism that was exclusively based on the use of authentic natural lime, the material that was destined to become a lifetime fascination.

Harry has worked on many of the great historic buildings around the UK – from privately-owned houses to mansions and castles; to mills, abbeys, churches and cathedrals. These projects included notable heritage properties such as Cardiff Castle, the Bishops Palace at Salisbury Cathedral and the Palladian Bridge at Bath. He progressed to management in the role of working foreman in direct control of the site craft-works; he then became a project manager, adeptly running multi-trade sites across a diverse range of projects.

Dedication and passion to change an industry mind-set...

During this time, Harry realised that the construction and building industry were ignoring the important historical attributes of both the natural materials and their associated traditional application methodologies; simply because it is easier to follow the mass producers and specify ready-to-use materials. There were certainly no specialists or manufacturers that were prepared to guarantee a natural lime-based solution. At that point in time, the next generation of materials was in the hands of the academics, not in the hands of the applicators!

The desire to develop eco-friendly lime mortars for the modern world had evolved into a personal mission. The challenge was to find the Holy Grail – the true secret of historically accurate lime mortar with the types of lime/aggregates still not found in 99% of modern lime mixes commonly in use. In 1996 Harry initiated a unique research and development programme which continues today – the empirical study of traditional lime materials in the local vernacular; their extraordinary active and durable properties; and the evidence of their unique poultice-drying attributes in application. Harry’s commitment spans over twenty five years, continuously and exclusively working with lime putty mortars. His research and development programme, involves the systematic analysis of original and existing renders from a wide range of historic buildings; the evaluation of a multitude of natural lime putties and aggregate types; the timing, production processing and experimentation of the materials mix; and the hands-on application methods through trials and testing of each prescription.

Lime Works Limited | Parks Farm | Cambridge | Gloucestershire | GL2 7AR