Timber Conservation Advice
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Timber conservation advice
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Traditional carpentry advice
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Carpentry training up to NVQ Level 3
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Public talks and presentations on historic buildings and traditional building methods
Nathan has over twenty years’ practical experience in the restoration of historic buildings which started with his five year carpentry and joinery apprenticeship in 1987. He was initially trained in the art of stair construction, cabinet making and general joinery but upon completion of his apprenticeship he chose to specialise his carpentry skills in the restoration of farmhouses and conversion of barns.
Very quickly Nathan caught the bug for restoring old buildings and set upon a ten year travelling spree around the UK working as part of a team of specialist carpenters. He worked on some of Britain's finest buildings including Windsor Castle, Hereford Cathedral, Hafoty Hall, Whitley Court and Sker House to name a few. Over this period Nathan perfected his skills in several different areas of carpentry including green oak repairs, all aspects of traditional cut roofing, restoring, conserving and the consolidation of fine joinery. He worked on buildings from small gaol houses to castles, covering a range of works from window and door restoration in Llanerchaeron Villa near Aberaeron to carving the green oak roof timbers for Windsor Castle following the fire damage it suffered in 1992.
Following this transient time in his carpentry career, in 2002 Nathan was appointed Restoration Carpenter at St Fagans, the Museum of Welsh Life. Here he was involved with many different conservation projects but most notably he helped restore and rebuild the 16th century church of St Teilos. This church was taken down slate by slate, timber by timber and stone by stone then driven fifty miles and rebuilt onsite at St Fagans near Cardiff. Nathan hand carved twelve new green oak trusses and restored ten original oak trusses, all whilst talking to and entertaining the public on restoration carpentry skills. In addition, he carved over 120m of running moulding for the underside of the roof trusses which are now prominent as you walk into the restored church. Whilst working at St Fagans, Nathan also helped restore Hendreweren Uchaf, a 16th century Welsh longhouse and restored some of the main wheels to the Esgair Moel Woollen Mill.
Following his time at St Fagans, Nathan set up his own restoration carpentry company called NJ Carpentry. During this time Nathan worked for Griff Rhys Jones on his 19th century Welsh farmhouse called Trehilyn. Here he repaired A frames, helped save a floor carrying beam with a modern technique using TG6 resin and a steel flitch. He also repaired staircases and restored sliding sash windows and original wooden floors. All of this work was documented by the television programme ‘A Pembrokeshire farmhouse’ where Nathan was one of the main contributors. Please see Television & Media page for further details.
Nathan has now become independent historic building consultant, setting up Nathan Goss Conservation with the aim of putting all his practical and professional skills and experience to good use in a field of work he feels passionately about. He aims to provide a comprehensive bespoke joinery service from timber conservation advice to the hand creation of bespoke furniture and joinery.
In addition, he works in conjunction with his wife who is Director of Lowri Goss Consulting. Her specialist areas include heritage, the historic and natural environment, project management, grants and fundraising, event management and more. Please visit www.lowrigoss.co.uk for further details.
Nathan is a motivated, assertive and enthusiastic individual with significant experience in his chosen field. He would very much like to work with you; as an individual, business, charity or local authority; on your relevant projects, therefore please do get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Please also see the Historic Building Services and Television & Media pages for further services.
Diolch – Thank you,
Nathan
