13th November 2026
Live demonstrations and short talks programme for 2026
(Please note, we will be adding to and updating the programme over the coming weeks so please check back regularly for the latest info.)
Held throughout the day, experts demonstrated practical skills, conservation techniques and give short talks on issues including:
PRACTICAL DEMOS
SHORT TALKS
There will also be a Free SPAB Technical Advice Surgery. appointments are available to visitors who once registered to attend the event can pre book a slot. So, if you need free, friendly and impartial technical help with an old building, you can have direct assistance from the SPAB tailored to answer your query.
Click here for the visitor information page
BARLOW TYRIE
Teak outdoor seating for Historic Parks and Gardens: Short talk/Demo
This short talk and demonstration by Mick Taylor, lead Customer Service Technician of Barlow Tyrie, will give an overview of product features to consider when selecting Teak outdoor seating. It will also provide information and insights on maintenance aspects to ensure long life in Historic parks and gardens.
HARRIS BUGG STUDIO
Hugo Bugg, Co-founder of Harris Bugg Studio: From inheritance to resilience: a joined-up approach to historic gardens
Running a historic garden is expensive, and the hardest part usually isn’t commitment, it’s knowing what to change and what to protect. This short talk sets out a joined-up approach for private owners: starting with a clear understanding of a garden’s history, moving through considered design, and arriving at a management plan that’s realistic to fund. In 15 minutes, it covers some of the pressures owners are facing, and makes the case that efficiency and beauty aren’t in conflict. The aim isn’t to solve everything, but to leave you with a clearer, more confident way to plan what comes next
LOCKER & RILEY
Creating Stunning Plasterworks:
We are delighted that once again Locker & Riley will be carrying out live craft demonstrations throughout the day on their stand, this year led by craftsman, Jamie Rodwell.
Jamie has been part of the Locker & Riley team for nearly 20 years, having joined the company through their industry-recognised apprenticeship scheme. After completing his training and achieving his NVQ qualification, Jamie has developed a wealth of experience in the manufacture of fine decorative plasterwork.
Throughout his career with Locker & Riley, Jamie has contributed to an extensive portfolio of prestigious projects, including royal palaces, historic country houses, super-prime residences and hospitality schemes, as well as exclusive commercial buildings.
This demonstrations on stand B13 will provide visitors with an opportunity to see first-hand the traditional skills and techniques involved in creating decorative plasterwork.
MESSENGER BCR
Stone Letter Carving Demonstrations
Gareth Williams of Messenger BCR will be demonstrating the traditional craft of letter carving throughout the event. An accomplished stonemason with extensive experience in the conservation of historic buildings, Gareth has worked on many significant landmarks, including Burghley House, Knebworth House, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Leicester Cathedral.
Visitors are invited to watch Gareth at work on the Messenger stand E61, to discover more about the techniques involved in letter carving. Further members of the team will be on hand to answer questions about wider conservation and the specialist skills used in preserving our built heritage.
THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANCIENT BUILDINGS (SPAB)
Douglas Kent, SPAB Technical & Research Director will be giving a short talk on ‘Pointing and Render on Historic Buildings: Getting It Right’ . Douglas will share practical advice on maintaining and repairing external pointing and render on historic buildings, explaining how to choose appropriate materials and avoid common mistakes.
Recent weather has really brought this topic to the fore with a lot of questions to the SPAB technical advice team.
If you have questions or need help with this or another subject, the SPAB are offering a free 15-minute pre bookable advice surgery with Douglas Kent and Mary Henn Technical specialist at the HBPGE. (once registered to attend(also free) you can book your slot for advice)
Practical Demos on Plaster Recipes and Mixes, and Stucco Repair with Matt James and Tom Jones
Matthew James, Spab Fellow, Founder of Gower Lime Work
Heritage plasterer, Matt James will be showing and discussing a variety of plaster recipes and mixes of sands, aggregates and fibres. These will be demonstrated and applied to a Lath Panel. https://gowerlimework.com/
Tom Jones, SPAB Fellow, Founder of Craftsman & Friends
Tom will show the creation of a Roman (natural) cement stucco panel incorporating a moulding and demonstrate the process of repairing damage to an angle or moulding, including the techniques and materials involved. This demonstration will be of particular interest to anyone who owns or cares for a property with a stucco façade, as this kind of work often requires ongoing maintenance and sympathetic repair. https://www.craftsmanandfriends.co.uk/
TOUCHWOOD PLAY
Making Heritage Playful: Designing for Families in Historic Places. A Short Talk by Joe Cooper
Joe will explain how play can help historic houses and estates attract more families, encourage visitors to explore beyond the house, and increase dwell time, without compromising the character and significance of the place?
This short talk will show how historic architecture, landscapes and stories can become the inspiration for play, rather than treating play as something that has to be added as a separate attraction. From designing sensitively within historic landscapes to turning an estate’s history and architecture into opportunities for discovery, movement and imagination, Joe explains how thoughtful play can create richer experiences for children and adults alike, and give families new reasons to visit, stay longer and come back.
MEET THE EXPERTS
The SPAB will be running a free Advice Surgery with Douglas Kent, SPAB Director of Advice and Mary Henn, Technical specialist.
You will also be able to talk to The Victorian Society, The Gardens Trust, The William Morris Society, Professional Gardeners Guild, and many specialist organisations, suppliers and professionals are on hand to help with all aspects of historic buildings, landscape and heritage conservation.
photo credit: Layton Thompson © Historic Houses