Monday 26 March 2012, 9.30am to 5pm

The course

Wattle and daub was a much used material for panel in-filling of timber framed buildings. The exact wood used for the wattle and the mix which was daubed over it to keep the wind and weather out were dependent on the materials available.  There are many examples of wattle and daub panels at the Museum, some are historic, having been saved from the original building and still in situ and some have been replicated as replacement panels. Students will have the opportunity to view some of these and samples in the artefact store, followed by a practical hands-on session, using a variety of different mixes, and a lecture on the appraisal and techniques of repair.

The tutor

Joe Thompson of Sussex Oak & Iron is carpenter in residence at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. He teaches a range of historic carpentry courses at the Museum. His interest in wattle and daub follows his experiences repairing historic frames and building new frames, which have been infilled with wattle and daub.

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 12 participants, and is suitable for all.

As the course will take place in the unheated Gridshell Workshop, warm and practical clothing should be worn.  Please bring a pair of wellies.

Fee

£99 per person, which includes tuition, tools and materials, teas, coffees and a light 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.