Building Conservation Programme for Craftspeople Opens 2022 Applications

A COUNTRY-WIDE CONSERVATION tour offering craftspeople hands-on experience in the repair of historic buildings is being offered to applicants to be a SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) 2022 Fellow.

Craftspeople

Up to four successful candidates will travel together across the country to learn more about traditional building crafts from masters of the trades. The SPAB is looking for craftspeople with a passion for old buildings and conservative repair. Applicants must have completed their apprenticeship and demonstrate a high level of competence.

SPAB Fellow

Often described as career defining, the Fellowship gives enthusiastic craftspeople extraordinary opportunities. SPAB Fellow in 1990, blacksmith Alun Walker, says: “It was a year of life-changing experiences. The Fellowship was the single most important experience of my craft journey, it gave me the solid foundations to build on. It has given me the confidence to find work as a contractor across the world: Islay and Jura in Argyll, Scotland to Switzerland and Barbados to name a few.”

“The Fellowship hasn’t just given me the knowledge to improve, it’s given me the confidence” – Thom Evans, stonemason and 2016 SPAB Fellow

Helen Bower, SPAB Fellow in 2001 and stained glass conservator said: “The Fellowship was a wonderful opportunity to take a broader look at the world of conservation, to hone skills, to gain confidence, to find great friendships, and to join a wonderful network; an opportunity that has paid dividends ever since.”

The Fellowship is an advanced training programme, devised to encourage and nurture craftspeople at the beginning of their careers, who are employed in any trade relating to the repair of historic buildings.

The programme is now more relevant than ever given the lack of skilled people needed to care for Britain’s historic buildings and structures.

Six-Month Training

The six-month practical training is divided into three blocks of two months, enabling the Fellows to return to their employment between each block. During the first two blocks they travel as a group, making daily site visits, studying repair projects, and meeting professionals, contractors and craftspeople. The final block is devoted to the individual needs and interests of each Fellow in consultation with their employers.

Since 1986 SPAB has organised and administered the Fellowship to promote and develop the specialised skills required for the repair and maintenance of historic buildings and to promote understanding of the importance of conservative repair. Former Fellows have included roofers, masons, thatchers, plasterers, leadworkers and glaziers.

There are no course fees as training and administration costs are borne by SPAB as part of the award. Fellows also receive a bursary in the region of £6,500 towards basic travel and living expenses. The packed 2022 programme will run from March to December.

Applications

SPAB is inviting applications now for the 2022 Fellowship. For further information or to apply online, visit the website or email: education@spab.org.uk.

Apply by 14 September 2021. Interviews are 9 November 2021 and are held at the SPAB’s Spitalfields, London office.

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