Courses - Building Conservation And The Use Of 
Traditional Materials And Processes

Timber Framed Buildings

 TIMBER DECAY

20 September 2010

An examination of the main causes of decay in hardwoods and softwoods, fungal and insect damage. Conservative treatments with and without the use of chemicals, and monitoring to maintain healthy buildings.

Leader: Brian Ridout
Course fee: £95

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AN INTRODUCTION TO TIMBER REPAIRS

8-10  March 2010

A three-day practical workshop focussing on in-situ timber repairs.  It will include the approach to timber frame conservation, the use of hand and power tools, scarfing new oak on to old and smaller patch repairs.  Practical exercises focus on inserting and repairing timbers of standing frames.  Suitable for conservation professionals, craftsmen, home-owners and others caring for old timber buildings.

Leader: Joe Thompson
Course fee: £285

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TRADITIONAL TIMBER-FRAME CONSTRUCTION

11 March 2010

A one-day course on traditional systems of timber framing, including demonstrations on timber conversion, principles of layout, scribing method, pegs and assembly.

Leader: Richard Harris
Course fee: £95

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AN INTRODUCTION TO DATING TIMBER FRAMED BUILDINGS

24 March 2010

The number, position and arrangement of timbers provides the evidence for the analysis and dating of timber framed buildings based on stylistic evidence.  We will use the Museum’s exhibits to look at buildings dating from the late 1300s to the 1900s. A wonderful opportunity to observe and be guided around so many varieties of timber-framed buildings, all within easy walking distance of each other.

Leader: Joe Thompson
Course fee: £95

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HISTORIC TIMBER FRAMING: MODERN ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

25 March 2010

A course for architects and carpenters.  The growing popularity of green oak and large softwood framing is encouraging a wider exploration of their possibilities.  But the image of the medieval frame is inappropriate for today’s buildings and some rethinking is needed.  This course will consider lessons from early structures and will suggest new techniques that can be used, and discuss the contractual arrangements for their design and construction.

Leader: David Yeomans and Jim Blackburn
Course fee: £95

For more information about Jim Blackburn's company visit his website

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REPAIR OF TIMBER FRAMED BUILDINGS

26 April 2010

A day school including a lecture on the repair of timber framed buildings by Richard Harris, a workshop session with Roger Champion and a critical examination of repairs executed at the Museum over 30 years.

Leaders:  Richard Harris & Roger Champion
Course fee: £95

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AS GOOD AS NEW: IN-SITU REPAIRS TO HISTORIC TIMBER STRUCTURES

27 April 2010  

A course for architects, engineers and surveyors offering a step-by-step approach to the specification of remedial work to historic structures, wholly or partly in timber.  The course will cover an introduction to structural analysis, the criteria for repair: strength/durability/appearance, repair forms, the ways in which steel can extend the use of remedial techniques to the specifier, and case studies.

Leader: Peter Ross
Course fee: £95

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 MARKING THE BUILDING

30 April 2010

A technical day comparing marks on historic buildings, ranging from purely practical marks, to secret signs intended to ward off witchcraft. It is the latter, whether scribed or painted by craftsmen or by conjurers, which are less well understood.

Leader: Timothy Easton
Course fee: £95

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VICTORIAN CARPENTRY & JOINERY

28 May 2010

This day will bring Walter Rose’s superb and inspiring book ‘The Village Carpenter’ to life with practical demonstrations and talks detailing the work of the carpenter and joiner in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Museum’s Whittaker’s Cottages dating from 1865 will be used as a case study.
Leader: Joe Thompson
Course fee: £95

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Issues in Building Conservation

RECORDING VERNACULAR BUILDINGS FOR CONSERVATION

Three linked day schools  led by Richard Harris.

Observing and Sketching 
4 February 2010

Improving the accuracy of rapid sketches, the geometry of construction, using string lines, drawing individual timbers, rubbing surface features. Recording brickwork.

Leader: Richard Harris
Course fee: £95 

Imposing a grid 
25 February 2010

Setting up a plan grid, setting up levels, recording a timber frame, using a grid to record complex patterns by sketching, tracing and photography.

Leader: Richard Harris
Course fee: £95

Studio techniques 
4 March 2010

Basic equipment and materials, technical conventions, line, shade, stipple, shadows.  Three dimensional visualisation.  Drawing for publication.

Leader: Richard Harris
Course fee: £95

Fee for all three days £270

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THE MANAGEMENT OF VERTEBRATE PESTS IN HISTORIC BUILDINGS

12 February 2010

A course for anyone involved in looking after historic buildings, from homeowners to property managers, to surveyors and specifiers. The day will include sessions on rodents, birds, rabbits, moles and larger mammals, and will cover control, legislation and the challenges presented by protected species.

Leader: Ed Allan
Course fee: £95

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ENERGY CONSERVATION IN TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS

24 February 2010

The day will include looking at the implications of improving energy efficiency for traditional buildings, a review of the relevant regulations and guidance, case studies and a practical session of carrying out an air pressure test.

Leaders: Richard Oxley and Phil Ogley, Oxley Conservation
Course fee: £95

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ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

1 March 2010

An introduction to the discipline of architectural photography, covering composition, exposure methods including the zone system, digital and film recording media and equipment. Includes practical exercises in composition and recording of architectural details using the Museum buildings, followed by basic digital transfer and an explanation of file types.

Leader: Adam Wilson
Course fee:£95

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LOOKING AFTER YOUR HISTORIC HOME

5 March 2010

A day aimed at the owners and guardians of historic homes, from Medieval to Edwardian. The course will cover how to interpret the historic development of a house, and will look at materials, structure, fixtures and fittings, rules, regulations and advice, listed buildings and the role of Conservation and Planning Officers, every day maintenance, sources of advice and training, and how to source the right materials. The afternoon will include a tour of historic houses at the Museum, to illustrate the morning sessions.

Leader: Kevin Stubbs
Course fee: £95

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UNDERSTANDING & CARING FOR THE FABRIC OF YOUR PARISH CHURCH

12 March 2010

This course is aimed at Churchwardens, PCC members and volunteers who care for churches and churchyards, including those who help redundant churches and abandoned churchyards. The day includes a look at the historic development of a church and its fittings, materials and how the structure works, rules and regulations including the role of the DAC and the Archdeacon, the Church Architect and the Quinquennial Report, maintenance, including warning signs and do’s and don’ts, training and advice, and sourcing materials. The afternoon will include a site visit to a local parish church, putting these issues into a practical context.

Leader: Kevin Stubbs
Course fee: £95

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PREPARING CONSERVATION PLANS

15 March 2010

Designed for those responsible for managing repair projects in historic buildings, providing an insight into the preparation of conservation plans. Techniques of building investigation and recording will be explored. Conservation professionals will be taken through the process from initial survey, specification, work carried out and presentation of the client’s final report.

Leader: Eddie Booth
Course fee:£95

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PUTTING BUILDING CONSERVATION PHILOSOPHY INTO PRACTICE

22 March 2010

A day examining what needs to be taken into consideration when putting the principles of building conservation into practice, in particular when repairing and improving timber-framed buildings. The day will include an introduction to building conservation philosophy, issues that need to be taken into account including conservation, structural issues, weather protection, finance, personal taste, etc, and case studies illustrating repairs and improvements that have been carried out.

Leader: Richard Oxley
Course fee: £95

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GRAFFITI

28 April 2010

Examples of Graffiti stretch back across the centuries, and those who made their marks did so from a wide variety of backgrounds and for numerous reasons. This day will investigate the history of graffiti, beginning with a lecture and then visiting Chichester Cathedral and Parham House to see some fascinating examples, from marks made by pilgrims, to names inscribed by builders.

Leader: To be advised
Course fee: £95

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Vernacular Architecture

THE GEORGIAN TRADITION

26 March 2010

There were many developments in architectural style and technology during the Georgian period from 1700 to 1830.  A series of lectures on some of the key features of the period followed by a guided walking tour of Chichester.

Leader: Neil Burton, James Ayres, Alan Green
Course fee: £95

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VICTORIAN AND EDWARDIAN BUILDING TYPES

30 March 2010

Victorian Britain saw a huge increase in the number and variety of new buildings.  This study day will explore the main aspects of these developments, including housing for the masses and some civic and industrial buildings.

Leader: Susie Barson and associate lecturers
Course fee: £95

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Timber Framing From Scratch

A superb opportunity to gain hands-on experience of timber framing. A series of practical courses introducing students to the historic use of structural oak and softwood framing, tools and techniques. Together these courses give a thorough grounding in traditional timber framing, but students are welcome to take courses in any order, or simply choose just one course which most fits their needs. This is a unique series of courses, covering the four major timber-framing techniques.

OAK TIMBER FRAMING: JOWL POSTS AND DOUBLE-CUT SCRIBING

22-26 February 2010
19-23 April 2010
23-27 August 2010
18-22 October 2010

This course will provide students with the opportunity to frame up the principal timbers of a traditional Sussex timber-framed building: the posts, plates, beams and cills will be lined-out, cut and fitted. This course focuses on historic workshop practice, tools and techniques.

Leader: Joe Thompson
Course fee: £475

OAK TIMBER FRAMING: BRACES, STUDS AND PLUMB-BOB SCRIBING

18-22 January 2010
17-21 May 2010

The emphasis of this workshop is on modern workshop practice. During the five days, students will line out, cut and fit the braces, studs and rails of a traditional Sussex timber-framed building.

Leader: Joe Thompson
Course fee: £475

OAK TIMBER FRAMING: RAFTERS AND LINE TRANSFER SCRIBING

23-27 November 2009
21-25 June 2010

The scribing technique used in this workshop is suitable for both new build and repair. Students will fabricate both a gable and a hip roof, lining out, cutting and fitting the common, hip and jack rafters of a traditional Sussex timber-framed building.

Leader: Joe Thompson
Course fee: £475

SQUARE RULE TIMBER FRAMING

13-17 September 2010

This system evolved in North America in the nineteenth century, from the “melting pot” of European carpentry cultures combined with the straight timbers available from virgin forests. Using a range of local timbers such as sweet chestnut, larch and Douglas fir, this system embodies standardization and interchangeable parts as an integral feature. Students will line out, cut and erect the timbers of a simple frame.

Leader: Joe Thompson
Course fee: £475

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THE ROOFING SQUARE

10 June 2010

The use of the roofing square is a fundamental skill of carpentry.  Students will first use the square to carry out a number of simple practical exercises, then to mark out rafter pitch boards and rafter patterns. These will then be used to cut the rafters for lean-to, gable and hip roofs. This day will help demystify this essential carpentry skill.  A practical course for professionals, craftspeople and keen DIYers.

Leader: Joe Thompson
Course fee: £95

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Brick and Lime

A HISTORY OF BRICKS & BRICKMAKING

29 March 2010

The day will cover the background, geology and regionality of brickmaking, historic techniques of brickmaking, a hands-on opportunity to make a brick and a visit to a local handmade brickworks.

Leader: Kevin Stubbs
Course fee: £95

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INTRODUCTION TO GAUGED BRICKWORK

19-21 April 2010

This course, consisting of lectures and practical experience, is designed to help the student gain a deeper and more contextual understanding of the art of gauged brickwork; the highest expression of the bricklayer’s craft. It includes historical development of gauged work, an examination of tools and materials, and plenty of practical techniques.
Leader: Gerard Lynch
Course fee: £330

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ADVANCED GAUGED BRICKWORK

25-27 May 2010

A theoretical and practical course designed for those with some experience of gauged brickwork. Working on both flat and cambered arches, students will look at terminology, geometry, setting-out, selection, preparation and cutting of bricks, preparing mortar, turning and finishing the arch.

Leader: Gerard Lynch
Course fee: £330

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REPAIR OF TRADITIONALLY CONSTRUCTED BRICKWORK

14-16 June 2010

A look at the principals of repair, causes of failure and decay, inappropriate materials and practices, techniques for selecting methods of repair, cutting out bricks and taking out defective joints, stitch repairs and reinforcements, patch pointing using lime mortar, reversing bricks and use of slips, plastic repairs and cleaning of brickwork.

Leader: Gerard Lynch
Course fee: £330

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LIME MORTARS FOR TRADITIONAL BRICKWORK

17 June 2010

Lectures and practical demonstrations on the traditional preparation and uses of limes and lime mortars and the modern misconceptions about them.

Leader: Gerard Lynch
Course fee: £110

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BASIC BRICKWORK FOR HOMEOWNERS

28 June 2010

A day of lectures and practical sessions for homeowners who need to understand more about bricks and bricklaying. The morning session will cover the characteristics of bricks, the historical background, conservation, care and repair of historic brickwork including an introduction to lime mortars. During the afternoon there will be practical sessions on basic bricklaying including techniques, setting out and bonding arrangements, profiles and corners, and plumbing points, gauges, lines and levels.

Leaders: Kevin Stubbs & Ray Moseley
Course fee: £95

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HISTORIC LIME PLASTERS & RENDERS

29-30 June 2010

A two-day course covering the fundamentals of lime plastering from the simplest renders to the finest ornamental work. Lectures followed by demonstrations, opportunity to get a feel of the tools and materials, and full discussion.

Leaders: Ian Constantinides & Jeff Orton
Course fee:£190

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PRACTICAL LIME PLASTERING

1 July 2010

A purely practical day learning the basics of lime plastering, to include historic in-situ run moulds, casting and benchwork re-creating Victorian designs.  The course will take place at Highbury College, Cosham.

Leader: |George Terry
Course fee: £95

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PARGETING

2 July 2010

The history and development of pargeting styles, from late Tudor to the Arts and Crafts Movement.  Demonstrations and hands-on work with carved wooden stamps and freehand work depicting flora, birds and mammals in the Jacobean style.

Leader: Bill Sargent
Course fee: £95

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JOINTING, POINTING AND RE-POINTING OF HISTORIC BRICKWORK

14-15 September 2009
13-14 September 2010

An exploration of the historical and technical development of jointing and pointing from the Tudor period to the early 20th century. The course will cover tools, materials, mortars and practice. It will also examine the considerations for successful re-pointing.

Tutor: Gerard Lynch.
Course fee £200

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ENGLISH BRICKWORK, TUDOR TO EDWARDIAN

16 September 2009
15 September 2010

An overview of the historical development of the bricks, mortars and manner of manipulating them that stamped its character on Tudor, Jacobean, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian brickwork. The course also examines the causes of failure and conservative repairs relevant to each period.

Tutor: Gerard Lynch
Course fee £95

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Traditional Building Materials

PRACTICAL FLINT WALLING

3-4 February 2010
9-10 February 2010

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WATTLE AND DAUB 

22 March 2010

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TIMBER IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIES

24 March 2010

Introduction to the identification of timber species through examination of anatomical features, demonstrations and practical work using hand lenses and microscopes with a wide range of samples.

Tutor: David Woodbridge
Course fee £95

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NATURAL STONE: ITS USE IN CONSERVATION AND IN NEW BUILD

20 April 2010

This course will provide an interesting and balanced outline of the use of stone in both building conservation and restoration, and new build. The days will include a look at the processes involved in masonry production, along with issues of consultation and design. Case studies involving the use of stone in building restoration and conservation will be included, and contracts involving new build stonework will also be discussed. The morning will be spent at the workshop of Cathedral Works Organisation (CWO) in Chichester, and lectures will follow at the Museum during the afternoon.
Leaders: CWO Team
Course fee: £95

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COB WALLING - HISTORY, THEORY AND PRACTICE

21 April 2010

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HISTORIC PAINTING METHODS

10-12 May 2010

A detailed course with a mix of lectures, tours, demonstrations and hands-on experience covering the historic use of colour and decoration on interiors and exteriors.

Leaders: Ian Bristow, Kathryn Davies, Chris Britain, Paul Humphreys & James Ayres
Course fee: £330

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LIMEWASH, DISTEMPER AND LINSEED BASED PAINTS: A PRACTICAL WORKSHOP

28 May 2010
13 October 2010

Spend a day learning how these traditional finishes were mixed and applied, with expert demonstrations and hands-on opportunities using the Museum's exhibit buildings.

Leader: Sibylle Heil
Course fee: £95

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STONE: DIVERSITY & DISTINCTIVENESS

22-23 June 2010

A two-day course looking at local geology and the variety of building stone that it has produced in the Weald & Downland region. Sessions will include the place of stone in local distinctiveness, a tour of the Museum’s exhibit buildings looking at the range of local stone, a visit to Parham House to explore the quarry from which stones were produced for use in its buildings, and a practical demonstration of stone repairs.

Leader: David Bone & Kevin Hughes
Course fee: £190

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PRACTICAL STONE WALL REPAIRS

5-6 July 2010

Two practical days working on the Parham Estate carrying out conservation and repair work using traditional lime mortars.

Leader: Kevin Hughes
Course fee: £190

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Certificated Strength Grading courses

On successful completion of these courses, participants will receive a certificate issued by Certification And Timber Grading (CATG).

SOFTWOOD STRENGTH GRADING

1-3 November 2010

This three day course covers the visual assessment of sawn square edged softwood for structural use to the BS 4978 grades, General Structural (GS) and Special Structural (SS). Successful completion of the course will result in a Certificate of Softwood Visual Strength Grading to BS 4978:2007.

Leader: David Woodbridge
Course fee: £450

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STRENGTH GRADING OF OAK

24-26 May 2010

An introduction to the methods used for stress-grading hardwoods. Successful completion of this course will result in a Certificate of Proficiency to Visually Strength Grade Temperate Hardwoods (oak) to BS 5756:2007
Leader: David Woodbridge
Course fee: £450

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Leadwork

AN INTRODUCTION TO LEADWORK FOR SPECIFIERS AND INSTALLERS

22 April 2010

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PRACTICAL LEADWORK

23 April 2010

For those who have already attended the introductory course. Based on the practical aspects of working with lead sheet by bossing, lead welding and casting.

Leader: Nigel Johnston
Course fee: £110

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ADVANCED LEADWORK

23-25 June 2010

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Roofs

PRACTICAL THATCHING

29 April 2010

An opportunity to learn how to thatch.  A hands-on day thatching with straw on a model roof using traditional tools and techniques, whilst learning about this historic craft and the wide variety of materials used.

Leader: Chris Tomkins
Course fee: £150

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OAK SHINGLES: HISTORY, MANUFACTURE AND USE

13 May 2010

A day of talks, demonstrations and practical experience of the equipment used in cleaving and finishing oak shingles under the guidance of the most experienced steeplejack in the country.

Leaders: Peter Harknett & John Deal
Course fee: £95

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Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Project

Involving people with the unique heritage in one of England’s finest landscapes.

The High Weald is a medieval landscape of rolling hills, small irregular fields, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads and sunken lanes. The Weald Forest Ridge - running east to west from Tonbridge to Horsham - is the highest ridge of the High Weald, and is the focus for a three-year Heritage Lottery-funded Landscape Partnership (LP) Scheme. The Scheme is enabling people to reconnect with their local landscape; more easily access and enjoy it; understand its unique natural, cultural and built heritage; take part in caring for it; and leave a legacy for future generations.

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum is delivering buildings heritage training within the Weald Forest Ridge Scheme. The courses are open to all, and a number of places have been reserved for participants living or working in the Weald Forest Ridge area of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For those living in this area, a discounted rate of £40 per person applies. To check whether you qualify for this discount please contact the Museum office on 01243 811931.

AN INTRODUCTION TO TIMBER-FRAMED BUILDINGS AND THEIR CONSERVATION

14 September 2010

Using the Museum’s buildings as examples, this day will look at the construction of timber-framed buildings, and consider methods of their conservation and repair.

Leaders: Richard Harris & Roger Champion
Course fee:£95

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CONSERVATION OF IRONWORK

16 September 2010

An introduction to the history and conservation of historic ironwork with special focus on the ironwork of medieval churches. The day will examine the causes of failure, methods of conservation, repair and replication.

Leader: Geoff Wallis
Course fee: £95

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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CONSERVATION OF WEATHER-BOARDED & TILE-HUNG BUILDINGS

29 September 2010

A day of lectures, tours and practical demonstrations exploring the historical background behind the prevalence of weatherboarded, tile-hung houses in the area, and methods for the conservation of these historic features.

Leaders: David Martin & Joe Thompson
Course fee: £95

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REPAIRS TO HISTORIC BRICKWORK

Thursday-Friday 30 September-1 October 2010

Two practical days focusing on repairing historic brickwork, with an emphasis on the brickwork of the south east of England.  The course will include the use of lime mortars, bricks, causes of failure and decay, different repair techniques, and will touch on the cleaning of brickwork.  A day aimed at both homeowners and professionals, giving a practical introduction to the subject.

Leader: Gerard Lynch
Course fee: £190

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PRACTICAL SCARF REPAIRS

Wednesday-Thursday 6-7 October 2010

An introduction to the different types of scarfs and the tools and techniques used when scarfing new oak on to old.  These scarf joints are typically used for the repair of sole plates, bay posts, studs, rafters and tie beams.  This course is very appropriate for those looking after historic timber framed buildings in the Weald Forest Ridge region, and is an excellent opportunity to discover how these important repair methods can be applied.

Leader: Joe Thompson
Course fee: £190