RICS in Yorkshire & Humber: 2-day Lime Mortar Technical Event

Nigel Copsey

Stonemason and Building Conservator

Nigel Copsey is a stonemason, conservator restorer, and leading authority on traditional mortars and historic building repair. Beginning his career as a dry stone waller in Cornwall, he trained as a stonemason and carver and has since worked for over three decades in building conservation across the UK and internationally, including the USA and Europe. His experience spans vernacular and high status historic buildings, with consultancy roles for organisations such as Historic England, Natural England, and the North York Moors National Park, as well as major projects including the Irish Hunger Memorial in New York City. A Professionally Accredited Conservator Restorer (ICON) and committed SPAB member, Nigel is a prominent advocate for the like for like use of traditional materials—particularly hot mixed lime and earth lime mortars—in historic repair. He has delivered training, lectures, and workshops worldwide, contributed to Historic England’s Practical Conservation series, and authored key mortar guidance used in conservation practice. Nigel led the practical conservation skills module at the University of York for ten years and is the author of Hot Mixed Lime and Traditional Mortars (2019). He also holds an MA by Research from the University of York, focused on historic mortar technologies, and continues to research and promote evidence based traditional building practices internationally.