14th November 2023
Live demonstrations and short talks programme 2023 in alphabetical order. For the full programme in time order see the home page here.
Held throughout the day, experts will demonstrate practical skills, conservation techniques and give short talks on issues including:
We are adding to the programme all the time so please check back regularly. Already confirmed are:
9.45am, Upgrading historic building’s energy performance and efficiency Sustainability expert Dr Martina Pacifici talks about the importance of the UK’s historic building stock in the context of the climate change and UK Net-Zero policy; how we might upgrade historic building’s energy performance and efficiency through passive design strategies (natural ventilation and shading, fabric insulation) and active systems (Heat pumps, Mechanical ventilation); how these interventions may increase the value of the property, reduce operational costs and allow the achievement of high-profile energy certifications. Demo Area 2
Practical demos in Stonemasonry and woodcarving by Adaline Wartner and Arthur Campbell
10.30am & 12.15pm, Arthur Campbell, student at the BCC gives a woodwork practical demo, cutting dovetail joints and assembling all the elements of a cabinet draw.
2.30pm & 4.15pm, Adeline Wartner. Tutor at the BCC will be giving a stone carving demo, Carving a Tudor rose, the traditional floral heraldic emblem of England. It consists of five inner petals representing the House of York, and five outer petals representing the House of Lancaster. Adeline obtained a Restoration Diploma at the City and Guilds of London Art School in 1999, She studied the Advanced Level 3 Stonemasonry Diploma at the Building Crafts College in 2015 and qualified in 2018. She was then Maker in Residence for two years and now teaches part time at the BCC. Adeline is also self-employed as a stonemason and stone- and letter-carver
10.00am & 12.30pm, Practical demonstration of how to protect historic statues and decorative stonework from frost and water damage with the application of Winter Covers. Stand E61.
10.20am & 1.30pm, Glamping and the wonderful world of luxury outdoor accommodation, 12 years in, what are the opportunities, options, and an industry update, With many shapes and forms, glamping is a broad term for what is now a very broad church. A discussion led by industry experts on what the opportunity can mean for an estate or historical house. Learn more about where the opportunities lie, where the industry is at, and the options for development and likely returns. E59 & Demo Area 1.
4.00pm, Celebrating 50 Years, A Special Address by Ben Cowell Director General, Historic Houses, Historic Houses will kick start a year-long programme of anniversary-themed celebrations and events at their AGM that is held alongside the Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens Exhibition (HBPGE). Marking the start of the 50th anniversary celebrations for Historic Houses who were established as an association in 1973. Demo Area 2.
10.30am Improving event management efficiency, Phil Godsal, chair of Historic Houses Wales gives a short presentation for venues interested in improving event management efficiency. Demo Area 1.
Meet the SPAB team at stand C14. Douglas Kent, SPAB Head of Technical and Research, will offer an advice surgery throughout the day (book your slot to guarantee a place).
9.45am, 11.00am, 2.15pm & 4.30pm, See practical demonstrations from SPAB Guardian, Director of Mathias Brick and Flint and expert in Gauged Brickwork, Lynn Mathias. Stand E64.
3.15pm, Douglas Kent, SPAB Head of Technical and Research will have a short talk on Key Tips for dealing with Dampness, Dampness is the biggest cause of deterioration in buildings. Standard solutions that are used to treat dampness in modern properties may be highly inappropriate and ineffective in traditionally constructed (pre-c1919) ones. In order to successfully treat dampness problems it is important to understand their nature and causes, how to accurately diagnose them and the range of methods suitable for their control in older buildings. This talk will offer a few pointers.
10.00am, Heritage and History | The Price of Provenance, The importance of ‘Provenance’ in adding value to items consigned to sale whether it be silver, furniture, Jewellery or works of art etc. Demo Area 1.
The SPAB, Building Crafts College, The Victorian Society, London Gardens Trust, Professional Gardeners Guild, The Gardens Trust 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