Demonstrations

Live demonstrations and short talks programme for 2026

Held throughout the day, experts will demonstrate practical skills, conservation techniques and give short talks. Please check here regularly for more updates on the 2026 event programme.

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)

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.