Our Team

David’s interest in archaeology and history began at primary school. He has been working in conservation for over 40 years, and established Skillingtons in 1997. He has a particular interest in sculpture conservation, including church monuments, but loves the variety of projects that leading the Skillingtons team involves. Working with so many different skilled craftspeople as well as heritage professionals and owners continues to inspire. He is fortunate to have been able to work on many amazing projects both close to home and far afield. When not at work he enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as indulging his passion for riding and restoring classic motorbikes!

Theo has been working at Skillingtons for longer than he can remember … although it’s only since 2003! He trained in architectural stone conservation at Weymouth College and has a particular passion for working with lime mortars. Stand-out projects with Skillingtons include the conservation of the medieval stonework at Westminster Hall and playing a key role in getting our North Macedonia project off the ground. He’s managed to fit in many of his own overseas projects, especially in Egypt, and when not at work can usually be found creating new works of art in his studio at home.

Simon joined Skillington Workshop in 2004 as very much a keen novice to the world of conservation. From the very beginning he learnt his craft from skilled and experienced conservators working on a wide range of objects, monuments and buildings. By 2007 he had gathered enough skill and experience to be awarded a place on the prestigious SPAB William Morris craft fellowship. He feels privileged to have worked on some of the country’s finest monuments and buildings. Personally, he enjoys a quiet life of dog walking and good food.

Emma has been at Skillingtons since 2006, having previously been an apprentice at Rattee and Ketts for 3 years, a Victorian stonemasonry and joinery firm in Cambridge. Always interested in heritage from an early age, she first did an art history degree to originally go into painting conservation but got side-tracked into working for the National Trust instead. In 2015 she did the SPAB’s William Morris fellowship with a carpenter and a blacksmith, touring the country visiting fellow craftspeople and various heritage projects. Recently she went back to school to complete the IAP Chemistry for Conservators online course that required dusting off the studying skills. Aside from collecting market research for the best greasy spoons and bakeries across the country, Emma likes to knit, sew and drop into ramps on her skates.

Laura had an interest in history and architecture from a young age although initially trained in accountancy before finding conservation. Laura has worked at Skillingtons since 2014 after doing a work placement here as part of her BA at the University of Lincoln. Laura completed her MA while employed by Skillingtons. She enjoys plaster conservation including modelling and painted surfaces consolidation as well as church monuments works. Notable projects which have been undertaken recently include conservation to the alabaster monument to Sir John and Lady Jane Monson at South Carlton church in Lincolnshire (being an important monument close to home); conservation of the plasterwork at Hardwick Old Hall, and also being involved in the North Macedonia project seeing how conservation is approached elsewhere.  

Abby has been working for Skillingtons since 2022 alongside completing her Conservation Masters with the University of Lincoln (as an Apprentice). Abby previously worked as a curator in the museum sector before completing a conservation graduate diploma at the University of Lincoln. A highlight of her time in conservation has been a recent trip as part of the team working in Stobi, Macedonia. Outside of work Abby enjoys spending time with her family and friends and also enjoys horse riding. 

Amy joined Skillingtons in 2023. She has always been fascinated by fine art, regardless of the medium. This is one of the reasons she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Rhode Island School of Design in the USA. She discovered cultural conservation as a profession while working on historical buildings in Europe. This led her to pursue a master’s degree in Conservation of Cultural Heritage at the University of Lincoln. She co-authored a paper and presented at ConNext 2023 Conference on the examination and treatment of two 15th-century wooden roof angels of the Church of St. Edith, Grimoldby. Upon graduation, she joined Skillingtons. Projects she completed during this time included laser cleaning a decorative carved doorway at Newark Castle and repairing an ornate plaster ceiling at Studley Royal Park’s Temple of Piety. When she is not working, Amy enjoys going on adventures, hiking, and travelling around the world as well as visiting places with a rich history.

Joe joined Skillingtons in the summer of 2023, looking to combine his love of history with a hands-on role in heritage conservation. He has since developed his understanding of conservation practices and principles. He has enjoyed working alongside his experienced colleagues across a variety of projects throughout the country. His favourite project so far has been the takedown of a Jacobean plaster ceiling in Derby. Out of work he enjoys keeping active, playing rugby for his local team.

Abi loved history from an early age and returned to further education with a masters in Conservation of Historic Objects. After working all over the country with various companies, Abi joined Skillington’s, becoming a permanent member of the team in 2025. Abi loves all types for conservation and loves the variety that Skillington’s offers with a particular emphasis of working with lime and ecclesiastical monuments.

Alan joined us in 2025 as Workshop Manager. He brings a wealth of experience in Estates and Facilities Management, Project Management and Health & Safety Management. His pragmatic yet diligent approach to work enables our conservation specialists to focus on doing what they do best, whilst ensuring that they, and the people we work alongside remain safe. Beyond work, Alan loves enjoying time out in the countryside with his wife and two dogs, and whenever time allows he can be found at race circuits watching motorsport.

Sue probably joined Skillingtons in 2000 or 2001 (she can’t quite remember) as their part-time bookkeeper. The flexibility afforded to her by the company has allowed her to complete a joint honours degree in English and Teaching English as a Foreign Language and have several other part-time jobs, including teaching. She is an avid motorcycle racing fan and dreams of winning the Euromillions so she can follow the MotoGP season round the world. Back in reality she is devoted to her dog, which she is lucky enough to be able to bring to work with her.