ABOVE: During the extensive renovation process, the plaque revealed its true colours.

It has been a privilege to conserve this historic war memorial for the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company, located at Enterprise House, Bristol.

The Bristol Tramways and Carriage Company War Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to generations of transport workers whose lives were lost in the service of their country.

ABOVE: Watch the full renovation process on our memorial mason partner’s YouTube channel, Mossfords Memorial Masons.

​Originally located at the Brislington tramways depot and now mounted at Enterprise House on Easton Road, this substantial cast-metal plaque honours nearly 280 individuals from the First and Second World Wars, including both military personnel and civilian employees.

It represents a vital link between Bristol’s industrial past and the people who sustained it through times of conflict.

BELOW: The 1 ton plaque was removed with the use of an advanced spider crane.

Carefully designed and rich in symbolism, the memorial features a finely cast inscription framed by laurel wreaths – emblems of honour and sacrifice. Its imposing scale and traditional materials reflect the gravity of its purpose, while the inclusion of civilian names from the Second World War highlights the broader human cost of twentieth-century warfare.

Though not currently protected by statutory listing, its historical and social significance remains deeply embedded within the fabric of Bristol’s transport heritage.

See above the plaque having to be carefully dismantled and removed to our conservation faclity by our specialist removal team utilising a spider crane to safely manoeuvre it from its location.

ABOVE: The plaque safely transported at out conservation facilities awaiting work.

ABOVE: The plaque showed a deperate need for cleaning and renovation.

Our approach followed best-practice conservation methods: beginning with a gentle clean using distilled water and a neutral pH solution, followed by the careful removal of oxidisation using crushed walnut shells – a process that preserves the integrity of the original bronze.

ABOVE: The incredible results of the extensive yet intricate blasting process.

The surface was then hand-patinated to restore its historic tone, before applying multiple coats of specialist microcrystalline wax, originally developed by the British Museum research laboratories, ensuring long-term protection in an exposed urban environment.

ABOVE: The plaque needed patination numerous times in between polishes.

ABOVE: The polishing process brought the best out of the bronze alloy.

The new location is the newly constructed bus depot building where the plaque will take pride of place.

The plaque once again commands the presence and dignity it deserves – safeguarding both its material fabric and its enduring act of remembrance.

ABOVE: Our artisan at work – April 2026. Photo: FK for Christ College.

At War Memorial Conservation Co., we take great pride in helping to preserve the historic fabric and stories behind Britain’s memorials. It was therefore a privilege to be entrusted with the restoration of the First World War memorial tablet at Christ College, Brecon.

Following the successful restoration of the Second World War tablet in 2025, the college turned its attention to ensuring the WW1 memorial received the same level of care and attention. Supported by generous contributions to the Chapel and Heritage Fund, this important project could move forward with confidence.

BELOW: The tablet seen in 1926 – T O Scudamore Collection. Christ College Archive. 

Our work focused on the careful cleaning and re-lettering of the 57 names inscribed on the tablet. Each letter was meticulously restored to ensure clarity and longevity, respecting the original craftsmanship while bringing renewed legibility to the memorial. Alongside this, we undertook detailed re-gilding, which has revived the tablet’s original visual impact.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was revealing details that had become obscured over time. The engraved school seal – mirroring the design of the Chapel’s East window – is now once again clearly visible, along with the dedication to the “Old Boys who gave their lives.” These elements are central to the memorial’s meaning, and restoring them was a responsibility we approached with great care.

ABOVE: The tablet after the intricate restoration work – April 2026. Photo: Christ College.

The completed work has brought both the WW1 and WW2 memorial tablets back to a condition that closely reflects how they would have appeared when first unveiled in 1924 and 1954. It is always our aim not just to conserve, but to honour the original intent and dignity of such tributes.

Projects like this are only possible through collaboration and shared commitment to heritage conservation. We are grateful to have worked alongside Christ College and to contribute to the safeguarding of these important memorials for future generations.

Information and photos courtesy of Christ College. See the original post.