The National Railway Museum

Halestone Restoration Ltd was appointed to undertake essential restoration and maintenance work at the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York, a Grade II listed building of significant heritage importance. Although the museum was closed to the public during our work, it remains a crucial part of the UK’s railway history. Our responsibility was to preserve and restore the building by addressing its fabric through re-pointing, brick replacements, stone masonry repairs, adaptations to structural openings, and Doff cleaning. The goal was to safeguard the building’s historical and architectural significance while ensuring its functionality for the future.

The project included a range of key restoration activities:

To counteract the effects of weathering and aging, sections of brickwork were carefully re-pointed to ensure stable and visually consistent mortar joints. Irreplaceable bricks were sourced to match the existing material and style seamlessly. Skilled stone masons repaired and, where required, replaced stone elements such as facades and decorative features. Materials were meticulously selected to align with the building’s original design and historical integrity. Adjustments to structural openings were made to enhance functionality while preserving the building’s historical character. All adaptations adhered to the highest safety and workmanship standards. The building’s exterior surfaces were gently but effectively cleaned using the Doff cleaning system. This method preserved material quality while removing dirt, moss, and other contaminants to improve the structure’s appearance. Restoring a historic building of the National Railway Museum’s stature presented

unique challenges:

Maintaining a clean indoor environment was vital to protect the building and stored equipment. We used advanced dust extraction systems, sealed work areas with plastic sheeting, and regularly cleaned to prevent dust-related issues. All work adhered to stringent conservation guidelines due to the building’s Grade II listed status. Collaboration with heritage specialists ensured repairs and updates preserved the museum’s historic character. Despite being closed to the public, the museum remained operational, housing valuable collections. Careful planning and coordination ensured that our work did not disrupt operations or compromise these invaluable assets.

Pride in the Project:
At Halestone Restoration, we take immense pride in preserving one of the UK’s most important cultural landmarks. The National Railway Museum is vital in maintaining railway history, and we are honoured to have played a role in ensuring its longevity. Our team’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and sensitive restoration techniques ensured the project’s success. Balancing modern updates with respect for the building’s history showcases our expertise in heritage conservation.