In memory of Martin Stancliffe, 1944-2025

Martin cherished all of his commissions, but one held a very special place in his heart. As Surveyor to the Fabric of St Paul’s Cathedral, London from 1990 to 2011, he directed the transformational programme of cleaning, repair and reordering completing for the tercentenary. The multi-award winning programme for the cleaning and redecoration of the dome was ground breaking, employing a suspended internal scaffold structure – a quadrant of the dome that rotated to allow access to the rotunda – enabling works to progress whilst the Cathedral remained in full operation.

Martin was a major proponent of heritage, crafts and skills. As Chairman of the York Consortium for Craft and Conservation, he led the organisation from 2005-2024, helping ensure hundreds of young people starting out careers in craft and conservation were supported financially and their industries championed. He sat on innumerable committees, including Fabric Advisory Committees for York Minster and Canterbury Cathedral, and was a Trustee to several charities, contributing to the betterment of the historic built environment nationally and internationally.

Aside from his architectural endeavours, Martin was an accomplished player of the baroque oboe and was a Director and very keen supporter of The York Early Music Centre and Festival. He enjoyed sailing in the Hebrides whenever time permitted. In his latter years, he, together with his late wife Sara, completely restored a derelict farmstead in remote Swaledale of the Yorkshire Dales which became a haven for his family.

Martin will be sadly missed, but for many of us who benefitted from his consummate skill, expertise, and quiet encouragement, his legacy will live on in the work of our practice.

Jo Deeming, Regional Partner, Purcell