Heritage Lighting Restoration & Conservation
Restoring historic lighting is conservation, not simply repair. We specialise in the conservation and restoration of chandeliers, lanterns, and period fittings for listed buildings, museums, and the public estate. Every project balances traditional craftsmanship with current safety standards so the historic character is preserved while lighting remains safe, efficient, and compliant.
See our heritage work in action
This short film demonstrates how our team carefully restores historic lighting, from removal and workshop restoration to safe reinstallation at The Grand Hotel Birmingham, one of our flagship projects.
Compliance & Documentation
Conservation-grade compliance, end to end
We deliver the documentation and assurance required for sensitive sites: RAMS and method statements, PAT testing, commissioning reports, BS/EN and IET Wiring Regulations conformity, O&M manuals, warranties, and evidence of CSCS, PASMA, and IPAF where access is required.
- Request our Conservation Compliance Pack (PDF)
- Send us your drawings/spec for review
Why Heritage Organisations Trust Fritz Fryer
Our workshop and approved artisan network (glassblowers, metal finishers, engineers) hold the qualifications and access training required for heritage-grade works, including RAMS, PAT, CSCS, PASMA, and IPAF.
With over 30 years dedicated to restoration, we have become a trusted partner for conservation architects, museums, councils, and hospitality groups across the UK.
We don’t just restore and walk away – we offer ongoing maintenance programmes to protect investments, extend lifespans, and avoid costly replacements.
We understand the pressures of public funding and phased works. Our team advises on practical upgrades and staged programmes to deliver the best results within defined budgets.
Chandelier conservation and restoration
We restore chandeliers of every scale, from crystal centrepieces in theatres to gilt fittings in hotels and civic halls. Each project may involve careful cleaning, replacing missing glass or crystal with accurate replicas, rewiring to BS/EN standards, and discreetly integrating modern drivers or dimming controls. For large or complex installations, our team provides safe removal, transport, and reinstallation.
Lantern Conservation
Historic lanterns require particular attention, whether positioned in a cathedral aisle or mounted on the façade of a town hall. We specialise in repairing delicate metalwork, replacing broken or missing glass, and applying finishes that respect the patina of age. For exterior pieces, we carry out full weatherproofing to ensure longevity. Where suitable, we retrofit energy-efficient LEDs that preserve the original character while reducing energy use
Historic fittings for listed and public buildings
From courtrooms to museums, we restore historic fittings to modern safety standards while retaining their original detail. Our engineers can incorporate emergency lighting packs and controls in ways that are discreet and reversible, minimising visual impact while meeting public safety requirements.
Bespoke Components & Artisan Craftsmanship
We also undertake full component fabrication and artisan finishing when heritage lighting fittings are incomplete or damaged. Whether replacing missing glass or crystal, recreating finials, reinforcing aged metalwork, or matching original patina finishes, our craftsmen work with historical accuracy. Using sketches, mock-ups, or CAD where necessary, we design and build custom parts that blend in seamlessly with the original design. We also ensure that any modern adaptations (like dimmers, LED modules, revised supports) are handled sensitively and reversibly, safeguarding both appearance and longevity.
Who we work with
We deliver conservation and restoration projects across historic and public estates. Our clients include:
- Listed buildings and heritage estates (Grade I, II*, II) where preservation of original detail is paramount
- Museums, galleries, and archives, supporting collection care and sensitive interiors
- Government and public institutions, including councils, police stations, courthouses, and town halls
- Churches and cathedrals, respecting liturgical use and artistic significance
- Hotels, theatres, and heritage hospitality venues, retaining historic character while meeting contemporary operational needs
We also work directly with conservation architects, heritage consultants, main and M&E contractors, and estates/facilities teams.
With the qualifications, documentation, and conservation expertise required for sensitive projects, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern compliance. Whether for public bodies or private institutions, we deliver restoration work that honours the integrity of each building while meeting today’s standards.
Project Highlights
Frequently asked questions
Ready to protect your heritage lighting?
Every project is unique. Whether you are conserving chandeliers in a museum or restoring lanterns for a town hall, our team will guide you from survey through to reinstatement.
[Enquire about your heritage project]
For domestic fittings/pieces, please see our antique restoration page.
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