Current Issue
Historic colliery boiler gets some TLC
The Califat boiler in Swannington, Leicestershire, gets its name from its association with the Califat Colliery, also known as Coleorton No 2 colliery. It sits in the Califat Spinney to the north of the village and is of national significance. The boiler is a rare survivor of the first type of commercially successful steam engine, the Newcomen atmospheric engine. Only six are currently known to survive.
Webinar on assessing the condition of heritage ironwork
Not to be deterred by COVID-19 in their quest to bring you the benefit of their expertise, on June 3 National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG) are holding a new webinar on assessing the condition of heritage ironwork.
Read more: Webinar on assessing the condition of heritage ironwork
Call in professionals if nesting birds pose a problem
Birds can cause a range of issues during nesting season, but interfering with wild birds, their eggs or nests could lead to prosecution, a national trade body has warned.
British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is urging Parochial Church Councils to seek professional advice if birds are becoming a problem.
Read more: Call in professionals if nesting birds pose a problem
New contract furniture helps Salford church cater for variety of events
Elmwood Church is a large family church in the heart of Salford with both a lively and friendly mix of people of all ages who welcome visitors and newcomers.
With a rich history, dating back to 1889, Elmwood embarked on an ambitious project to build a new Church in 1987, moving to the current site on Eccles Old Road. With over 30 years of ministry in the building, the Church has gained new members – both as Christians but also as believers from a variety of church backgrounds.
Read more: New contract furniture helps Salford church cater for variety of events
Repair work to Peterborough Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, St. Paul and St. Andrew in Peterborough is one of the great surviving medieval buildings and one of the UK’s top 10 landmarks. The present building is the third on its site, dating from a rebuilding started in 1118. The West Front is a masterpiece of the sublime in architecture, its three massive, unequal width portals framing a seemingly small-scaled porch. The painted timber nave ceiling is an almost unique survival. The ‘New Building’ at the east end is a superb example of early 16th century fan vaulting, almost certainly by master-mason John Wastell. The abbey was refounded as a cathedral in 1541.
Historic bottle kiln works by Horizon
Horizon was called in by the operators of this disused historic bottle kiln to offer a solution to ‘temporary job’ undertaken by others in order to weather seal the kiln.
Previously the open top kiln had been covered over by plastic sheeting in order to help prevent rain and wind from damaging the inside of the kiln. The added issue with this job was not only did a permanent solution to the capping need solving but as the kiln is now a specialist shop / museum the entrance to the building takes you directly under and through the old kiln itself.
Cathedrals at Night: new nationwide campaign invites visitors to see the historic and sacred space of Bristol Cathedral in a new light
Bristol Cathedral will open after hours to welcome in visitors for free, part of the first coordinated nationwide Cathedrals at Night campaign in the UK.
This year, Bristol cathedral is joining other participating Church of England cathedrals and its partners to offer people a Cathedrals at Night experience where visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the culture and spirituality of this beautiful building and enjoy a taste of cathedral life for free.
James Stone Masonry transform courtyard at Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle, often known as John O’ Gaunt’s Castle is one of the most historically fascinating surviving buildings in the country. Its beginnings date back to Roman times when, from its commanding position on the hill overlooking the town of Lancaster and the River Lune, it stood as a bastion against the marauding forces of the ancient Picts and Scots tribes.
Read more: James Stone Masonry transform courtyard at Lancaster Castle
Traditional Joining and Repair Techniques
Heritage Ironwork CPD Webinar
Wednesday 9th June 2021
12:00-1:30pm
What is this event about?
This webinar will help you identify and understand the various types of joining techniques found in historic ironwork, including:
- Different types of fire-weld
- Rivets: cold-set, hot-set and pneumatic
- Mortises, tenons and sockets
- Halving joints
- Collars: wrapped, screwed and fire-welded
- Nuts & bolts with a focus on threads
- Square-headed fixings from the period 1850s-1920s
- Appropriate use of replica fixings
By the end of the session, you should be able to appreciate what is involved in construction and how best to approach repair. The presentation will include case studies and short video clips demonstrating key techniques.
Who is it for?
The webinar is aimed mainly at general conservation professionals, for whom ironwork falls within their remit but is not a specialism. It will also be suitable for blacksmith students and metalworkers unfamiliar with historic material or keen to learn more.
Who is leading it?
Blacksmith Rowan Taylor completed the NHIG Bursary scheme in 2013 and has since established a strong reputation in conservation and restoration work, specialising in bridges and canal-side ironwork.
Ticket Prices: £10-25
Click here for more information about the day and to book tickets
Identifying and sourcing stone for repair
England is fortunate to have such a wide variety of historic and older stone buildings. However, there has been a marked decline in the range of natural stones that are being actively quarried.
When the time comes to replace stone, we need to understand its characteristics. The replacement will need to replicate the original's chemical, physical and mineralogical properties. Only with that understanding can we select compatible materials to replace it with.
Historic England has produced advice on how to obtain matching stone for repairing a historic building or monument.
Site Dismantling and Fixing
Heritage Ironwork CPD Webinar
Wednesday 12th May 2021
12:00-1:30pm
What is this event about?
Removing and reinstating ironwork will always have an impact, but how can we minimise that impact, act responsibly and safely, and avoid further complications? This webinar will look at the issues involved in dismantling ironwork on site and fixing it back in again, giving an overview of potential approaches, tackling typical problems and offering some solutions, including:
- Methods of removing iron from stonework
- Options for fixing ironwork into stone
- Safe practice working with lead
- Using heat on site
Who is it for?
This day is aimed at anyone wanting to get a better understanding of the ironwork in their care: owner/custodian, specifier or practitioner.
Who is leading it?
David James is a highly skilled blacksmith with extensive experience of conservation work at many of the country’s most important heritage sites.
Ticket Prices: £10-25
Click here for more information about the day and to book.
A Dickens of a job for York Handmade
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a significant role in a £1 million restoration project with a strong connection to Charles Dickens.
York Handmade have been working in conjunction with York Conservation Trust to renovate 69-71 Micklegate in the city.
The building was once the office of 19th century railway engineer John Birkinshaw, whose clerk Richard Chicken was a famous eccentric regarded by many, including respected York historian Hugh Murray, as the inspiration for Mr Micawber.
Grade 2 Listed accommodation - Coventry
Rafferty Lightning Protection have been appointed to deliver a brand new BSEN 62305 Lightning protection system to a Grade II Listed former Hospital complex which is being converted into Student accommodation.
The site, which has stood empty for more than a decade now has permission to be built on. The hospital first closed 11 years ago and has been left empty ever since. All other post-war buildings on the site have since been demolished and the area has been used as a car park. However, the former nurses’ home and outpatients clinic remain due to being listed.
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