This fascinating study, first published in 1919 then substantially revised in 1947, was based on experiments undertaken by the author, Clough Williams-Ellis into the use of pisé de terre and other earth-based materials. It was written at a time when traditional building resources such as brick and timber were in short supply, and there was a need to consider the potential for using alternative materials in construction. This is a practical source of advice and guidance. 1999, 216pp, hardback.

This handbook provides practical help in choosing whether and how to build with earth, from soil selection through to construction and maintenance. The techniques described in this revised and updated edition have a focus on achieving good quality results with accessible methods, that can go on being used by rich and poor, and for simple buildings as well as the most sophisticated. 1996, 2nd Edition, 80pp., paper.

A comprehensive and illustrated handbook which will be essential reading for anyone involved in construction. Earth is extremely versatile and cheap, but users must have a proper knowledge of its real potential in order to use it to its best effect. 1994, 372pp., paper.

Recording the proceedings of English Heritage’s national seminar held in London on 28th April 2000, this book describes and explains architectural paint research and its role in understanding and managing historic buildings. The requirement to assess historic property as a basis for making conservation decisions is now common UK practice and recommended in Planning Policy Guidance Note 15. The seminar’s ten papers and discussion sessions were designed to promote the development of standards and guidelines for use by clients and consultants — helping to shape the development of this vital new discipline.

These are the proceedings of an English Heritage national seminar which was organised to address growing concerns about the variable quality of architectural paint research currently being carried out. The book describes and explains its role in understanding and managing historic buildings. The contributions contained in this book are designed to promote the development of standards and guidelines for use by clients and consultants, helping to shape the development of this vital new discipline. It therefore contains edited transcripts of the ground breaking discussion sessions on the proposed English Heritage guidelines and other important issues. The statutory requirements relating to painted interiors of listed buildings is another very problematical issue which has been considered in detail. In addition, guidance is provided on commissioning paint research and the pitfalls to avoid.

The book will be essential reading for paint researched, architects, surveyors, conservation officers and all practitioners involved in commissioning paint research for historic buildings.

Outlines the basic techniques of lost-wax casting and describes the equipment needed to carry out the process successfully. Explains how to use local labor and resources. 1983, 96pp., paper.

The definitive volume on how paint has been used in the US in the last 250 years. Eminent contributors cover the history of this medium in American buildings from the 17th century to the end of the 19th century. Contains a survey of practices and materials in England, cutting-edge techniques used by today's researchers in examining historic paints, fascinating case studies and an important chart of early American paint colors. Explains how to identify pigments and media, how to prepare surfaces for application and apply paint. Includes the chemical properties of paint with a table of paint components, plus a glossary and bibliography. Paper, 1994.

A facsimile of the 1948 edition first published in 1935. It provides an invaluable source of information on the various types of roof coverings that were traditionally used such as slates, clay tiles and shingles, and includes basic aspects such as sorting and holing slates, through to more complex details such as random, diminishing slating and the tiling of swept and laced valleys. 2000, 384pp, hardback.

Everything you wanted to know about slate roofs including how to keep them alive for centuries. Beautifully illustrated and written in lay-person's terms. Provides hard-to-find information on every aspect of slate roofs, from their historical beginnings to modern slate-roof-restoration techniques. 1997, 287pp., paper.

A guide to good quality thatching, describing in words and pictures how to achieve the maximum possible roof-life, using either cultivated or naturally occurring materials. Reviews the advantages and limitations of thatch as a roofing technique. 1998, 40pp., paper.