Thorp Perrow to host a week of heritage craft courses and demonstrations

Heritage Craft Alliance is opening its training centre at Thorp Perrow in the Yorkshire Dales for a full week of demonstrations, training courses and advice sessions relating to conserving, maintaining and restoring older and historic buildings.

Anyone who owns or has interest in older properties would benefit from visiting the centre and even taking part in one or more of the short training courses.

The courses take place in the week beginning 24 September. Some are two-day courses, while others last just one day. The two-day courses are:

25-26 September: Working with Lime Mortars (stone, brick and plasters) – all about lime, different mixes and uses of the varied mortars available and hands-on work with lime mortars.

27-28 September: Working with Stained and Leaded Glass (produce an artefact of your own) – working with traditional materials, lead cames and glass; learn about tools and techniques of making leaded panels.

28-29 September:  Working with Stone on Vernacular Buildings (working with lime mortars, walling, stone dressing) – preparing stone for repairing or building walls, choosing and mixing mortars for use in varied applications.

There is also a two-day Blacksmithing for Beginners course (hands-on smithy work; produce an artefact of your own) – days to be announced. Learn about using a hearth in the traditional way and the basics of bending and shaping metal.

In addition, on 27 September there is a one-day course on Wood Turning (entry level using a power lathe). Wood turning is a great method of producing unique artefacts in wood. Try wood turning for the first time or hone previous skills supported by one of the tutors.

On 26 and 27 September there are ‘Old House Clinics’ – a chance to discuss your building with experts and learn about good maintenance practice. Join a group of people who need to care for older houses to discuss materials, structure, repairs and all aspects of maintaining the integrity of your building. The day is supported by an expert in historic and vernacular buildings.

Throughout the week there will be demonstrations on:

Green timber: bodging, pole lathe turning and carving, to produce a useful wooden artefact using green wood and hand tools.

Traditional leather work: see how leather can be worked by hand into many useful and beautiful objects.

Specialist paint finishes and gilding: beautiful finishes produced by hand

Stone masonry: carving demonstrations from three student masons preparing for this year’s World Skills competition.

Wattle and daub: see what goes into a wattle and daub wall, or have a go at daubing yourself.

Two-day courses cost £220.00 and include all materials and lunch. Old house clinics cast £70.00 and include an Old House Owner's Guide for you to keep.

Demonstrations are free to visitors of the Thorp Perrow Arboretum.

For more information or to book onto a course, contact:

Jude Newell at Heritage Craft Alliance Ltd: email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

www.heritagecraftalliance.co.uk