Paul Croft
Paul is a full time Research Fellow at the University of Lincoln permanently assigned to Lincoln Conservation.
Paul is a full time Research Fellow at the University of Lincoln permanently assigned to Lincoln Conservation.
Early in his career, Paul worked in a museum environment, focusing primarily on objects conservation and collections management. After a brief spell in buildings conservation Paul moved to the University of Lincoln in 2007 initially to provide technical support before finally moving into a more research focussed role.
Over the years Paul has developed a keen interest in Maritime Heritage and Military Vehicles, focusing on the analysis of painted surfaces. His research into the precise colour of Battleship Grey used on the WWI light cruiser HMS Caroline defined this colour for the first time with his findings published in the International Journal of Regional and Local History in 2020.
Similar work on maritime vessels from the 18th century has defined their appearance and helped to date hull timbers and fittings and helped define their working life span. His research has also informed the characterisation of the quality and extent of early paint layers on these vessels, invisible beneath modern overpaints radically altering conservation strategies.
Paul’s interests in the built environment lie within the field of architectural paint research and historic decorative interiors (including wallpapers) in the context of vernacular, ecclesiastical and industrial architecture.
Paul also manages on-site conservation projects with a high level of student engagement providing “real world” experience for both under and post-graduate conservation students. This highly rewarding aspect of his work helps to develop the students' time management & problem-solving skills, health & safety awareness, team working and stimulates new research ideas.
University of Lincoln, Faculty of Art, Architecture & Design, BA Conservation & Restoration (2004 – 2007).
English Heritage, The Historic Interior: Commissioning and Managing Conservation Research (2009).
Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery, Assistant Conservator.
Railton Price Building Conservation, Conservator.
The Institute of Conservation (ICON).
Society for Nautical Research