Joseph Cocking’s industrial conservation skills were refined during his 32-year career restoring lighthouse lenses and aids to navigation for the United States Coast Guard. Upon retirement he founded Lighthouse Lamp Shop, Inc. Today he continues to research and study aspects of conservation in a diversity of large items: three-dimensional, industrial, decorative, and museum. In 2007 Cocking earned his way to becoming a Professional Associate by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC)

Lighthouse Lamp Shop, Inc. pioneered modern conservation practices. In 1993 Joseph Cocking and Nicholus Johnston executed the conservation of the St. Augustine Lighthouse First Order Fresnel lens, which had been vandalized by use of a high-powered rifle. Conservation required complete disassembly of the optic to repair damaged materials and replace shattered prisms. 

As a leader in Fresnel lens conservation, Cocking uses proven technology in assessing the condition of each lens and its environment. Development of a process for putty stabilization and one for putty replacement are unique to Lighthouse Lamp Shop, Inc.

Cocking continues an 18-year professional association with Nicholus Johnston, founder of Carolina Lighthouse Lens Works, collaborating on numerous projects, maximizing every facet of knowledge and experience. Having also gathered a dedicated group of professionals with specialties in a variety of materials and objects, Lighthouse Lamp Shop can offer a full array of conservation services.

Memberships include:

Lighthouse Lamp Shop can offer a full array of conservation services

Joseph Cocking
(904) 449 - 5207 / Fax: (904) 215 - 4035

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