The scheme aims to engage visitors at sites undergoing conservation projects around the country and inspire all generations to consider careers in the heritage and construction industries.
The ‘Conservation on the Road’ van will travel up and down the country to showcase the charity’s conservation work on some of the 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites it looks after in England.
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The hands-on workshops offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the care of historic masonry, such as re-pointing, and the chance to repair a miniature wall section. Other sessions include learning about how English Heritage staff care for their historic building interiors and collections in the ‘artefacts and interiors’ workshop series.
The programme of workshops will be delivered by trained facilitators and volunteers between April and October each year.
Last month, the van helped visitors at Marble Hill House in Twickenham learn about working with historic gardens, stonework and artefacts. It is due to return later in June and the public will also be able to see it this year at Dover Castle, Bishop’s Waltham Palace in Hampshire, Lincoln Medieval Bishop’s Palace, Bristol Temple Church and Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland.
Paul Heather, Sir Robert McAlpine managing director, London, said: “I am thrilled that Sir Robert McAlpine is supporting the ‘Conservation on the Road’ programme. As a leading voice in the industry for the promotion of apprenticeships and skills training, especially in the heritage sector, Sir Robert McAlpine is proud to lend this initiative its support. It represents our commitment to the advancement of traditional skills: inspiring the younger generation of craftspeople is crucial to preserving our built heritage for years to come. This is the beginning of a very treasured partnership.”
Mike Coleman, Sir Robert McAlpine special projects operations director, said: “Sir Robert McAlpine Special Projects are privileged to support English Heritage with their ‘Conservation on the Road’ programme. Raising the profile of heritage and traditional skills is at the core of addressing the skills gap and this initiative raises public awareness. Our vision of proudly building Britain’s future heritage also means encouraging the next generation of skilled trades to enable the continued survival of the wonderful historic buildings that are a key component of our traditions, national identity and which enrich our daily lives.”
Rob Woodside, English Heritage’s estates director, said: “Conservation lies at the heart of everything we do at English Heritage. Caring for these special places takes skills and knowledge, and we want to do more to share the story of what we do with as many people as possible. The ‘Conservation on the Road’ van offers hands-on experience for visitors of all ages – and we hope to inspire young people to think about a future career in heritage. We are grateful to Sir Robert McAlpine for their support in making this project possible.”
Visit the full ‘Conservation on the Road’ programme of workshops on the English Heritage website to book your timeslot: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/conservation-van
