Monday-Wednesday 5-7 March 2012,  9am - 5pm (9.30am start on day 1)

The course

Three practical days introducing students to a range of timber repairs. The course will include the approach to timber frame conservation, the use of hand and portable power tools.  We will be looking at the use of fresh-sawn, semi-seasoned and air-dried oak and their pros and cons, along with an overview of metal straps, plates and fixings.  A variety of repairs around the Museum provide further examples, and also show the effects of time.  The practical exercises focus on inserting and repairing timbers of standing, rather than dismantled, frames.

Restraint straps for repairs

The tutor

Joe Thompson of Sussex Oak & Iron is carpenter in residence at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum. He teaches a range of historic carpentry courses at the Museum. He worked in modern carpentry until the hurricane of October 1987. The sight of so many destroyed oak trees committed him to ensuring that such valuable material was put to good use, and from there sprang his interest in historic building conservation.

He has developed a keen analytical eye and a scholar’s passion for following and interpreting the evidence along with a natural skill in teaching.

Participant information

The course will be limited to 8 participants, and is suitable for everybody, from complete beginners to experienced carpenters.

As most of the work will take place in the unheated Gridshell Workshop, warm and practical clothing should be worn and a pair of steel-toe safety boots are required.

Still photography and note taking is encouraged.  Video photography is not permitted.

A complete tool kit is provided on the course, however if you have your own carpentry hand tools that you wish to bring you are very welcome.  If you have any old tools you wish to show to the group, or discuss with Joe, please bring them along.

Fee

£299 per person for full participation in the workshop. This includes tuition, tools and materials, teas & coffees.The Museum café will be open each day for lunch, or you can bring a packed lunch.

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here.  Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.

Make a Booking Request

 
This is an initial booking request form, and does not guarantee a place on the course. The Adult Learning Team will check the availability of the course, and reply to you as soon as possible - usually within one working day.