Learn essential skills relevant to the conservation of historic timber-framed structures.

What students need to bring

Please remember to bring work clothes/overalls and  protective shoes/boots for practical sessions.  

Day 1   
Introduction to timber- frame buildings, including the basics of timber conversion, construction and use, and regional and chronological traditions.

Day 2   
Transfer to the Weald and Downland Living Museum
You will explore:

• Fungal decay and insect attack – the structure of wood and the mechanisms of decay; recognition and effects upon timber
• Treatment of rot and insect attack – dealing with the cause, environmental controls, current research and case studies
• Practical session on timber decay – exploration and discussion on infestation in a variety of timber samples
• Historic methods of timber framing - traditional systems of framing; the fabrication process; layout methodology; joints and marking techniques
• Laying out and marking a simple frame - marking methods and cutting mortice and tenon joints; traditional pegs and fixings

Evening learning at the College: Introduction to repair techniques - radical and conservative philosophies; recording techniques; overview of repair methods using timber, steel and resin.

Day 3   
Transfer to the Weald and Downland Living Museum
You will explore:

• Examples of carpentry at the Living Museum
• Repairs using timber – assessing defective timbers; the range of timber to timber repairs; the use of iron and steel in conjunction with timber repairs
• Repair demonstrations – evaluating the criteria for a repair; working methodology; tools and their uses; setting out the repair
• Fixing and finishing repairs – types of fixings; traditional pegs and fixings; tool marks and surface finishes

Evening learning at the College: Case studies – in-situ repair considerations; temporary support systems; softwood frame repairs (including Long Crendon Courthouse, Harmondsworth Barn, Chatham Dockyard buildings, Barley Hall York.

Day 4   
Transfer to the Weald and Downland Living Museum
Content:

• Tour of Museum’s timber buildings to view repairs, including ones using epoxy resin systems  
• Workshop exercise – assessment, evaluation and repair proposals for selected defective historic timbers; discussion of alternative repair options; specifications for timber repairs
• The reconstruction of the Globe Theatre – an archaeological reconstruction of a timber-framed building   

15.30 Summary, feedback and discussion. Issue of certificates and depart.
Transfer to College
 

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