The course will explore the complete picture of heritage work, including skills, materials, theory and conservation, divided into 3 headings: “The Isolated Object”; “The Object in Context”, and “How Do We Read It” using the fabric of St Mary’s Church as the focal point.
- The Isolated Object: The preparatory process of making the object which will involve using other materials, such as drawing, clay and plaster. The making of the object itself, which will use the materials we see in the church.
- Where do they originate from?
- Why are they used?
- How were they transported?
Explore materiality and making and the traditional tools we use to fashion objects by hand.
- The Object in Context: The traditional skills of fixing objects in an historic structure, including tools and techniques. The fixed object and its function within the greater context of the church and alongside other materials. Environmental impacts and weathering, deterioration and change leading to repair and conservation theory and practice.
- How Do We Read It: The function of the made object within its architectural context- symbolic, narrative meaning? What does it communicate (if anything), what is its purpose?
A CROSS-DISCIPLINARY CURRICULUM
The course is designed to incorporate the skills most needed to protect and preserve our cultural heritage and will help fill current skills gaps and strengthen the sector.
It will be comprehensive in scope, introducing students to a range of traditional specialisms within the context of current building conservation projects. In doing so, TOM students will have a broad understanding of the cross-disciplinary nature of work in this sector, giving them a unique versatility as they progress into employment.
Subject areas will include:
- STONE: masonry, carving, lettering;
- WOOD: joinery, carving;
- GLASS: painted, stained;
- LEAD: sheeting, cast, came;
- BRICK cut and rub moulding, decorative;
- MORTARS AND RENDERS:
- uses of traditional lime mixes;
- ACCESS: scaffold, steeplejack, rope access.
- CONSERVATION theory and practice;
- BUILDING ARCHAEOLOGY.
