SPAB was founded by William Morris in 1877 to promote the value and protection of old buildings and good conservation practice. Today, SPAB delivers a wide programme of conservation training, courses, advice and research. The Old House Project will deliver a five-year repair programme as the first ‘live’ conservation course delivered by SPAB. Working in partnership with schools, colleges and universities, the project will allow students and volunteers to take part in active training sessions using traditional conservation techniques and new technology. Once the five-year programme is complete, the house will be removed from the Historic England ‘At Risk’ Register and have a sustainable future use as housing.
As well as carrying out urgent roof repairs, archaeological investigation, and delivering a varied programme of training and skills development, in the last year SPAB have also provided public activities through on-site guided tours and use of digital engagement. The Old House Project was joint winner of the 2021 Museums + Heritage Award for Conservation Project of the Year, recognising its innovative conservation training programme. Supported by our Heritage Impact Fund loan, a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and the Pilgrim Trust, amongst others, the Old House Project will demonstrate the benefits of SPAB principles and practice and live conservation training, making it the first of a series of building repair projects across the UK.
https://www.spab.org.uk/old-house-project
Image Credit
SPAB/Daniel Bridge
AHF Funding
Heritage Impact Fund Loan - £500,000 (2020)
