“The unique opportunity to travel as a Fellow means I can learn from talented craftspeople and professionals with a diverse range of skills” – 2015 Fellow Ben Hornberger
A country-wide conservation tour offering committed craftspeople hands-on experience in the repair of historic buildings – that’s what successful applicants can look forward to as a SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) 2016 William Morris Craft Fellow.
Up to four successful candidates will travel together across the country to learn more about traditional building crafts from masters of the trades. This is a unique, life-changing opportunity – the only scheme of its kind!
We’re looking for craftspeople with a passion for old buildings and conservative repair. Applicants must have completed their apprenticeship and demonstrate a high level of competence.
The Fellowship is an advanced training programme, devised to encourage and nurture craftspeople at the beginning of their careers, who are employed in any trade relating to the repair of historic buildings. The programme is now more relevant than ever given the lack of skilled people needed to care for Britain’s historic buildings and structures. The six-month practical training is divided into three blocks of two months, enabling the Fellows to return to their employment between each block. During the first two blocks they travel as a group, making daily site visits, studying repair projects, and meeting professionals, contractors and craftsmen. The final block is devoted to the individual needs and interests of each Fellow in consultation with their employers.
Since 1986, SPAB has organised and administered the Fellowship to promote and develop the specialised skills required for the repair and maintenance of historic buildings and to promote understanding of the importance of conservative repair. Former Fellows have included carpenters, masons, thatchers, plasterers, leadworkers and glaziers.
There are no course fees as training and administration costs are borne by SPAB as part of the award. Fellows also receive a bursary in the region of £5,800 towards basic travel and living expenses. The packed 2016 programme will run from 14 March to 9 December 2016.
SPAB is inviting applications now for the 2016 William Morris Craft Fellowship. For further information or to obtain an application form, please visit our website (https://www.spab.org.uk/education-training/fellowship/) or email: education@spab.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 1 December 2015 and interviews are held at 37 Spital Square, London on 3 February 2016.
The SPAB is Britain’s oldest building conservation body. It was set up by William Morris to oppose the destructive restorations of the Victorian era and promote the alternative of “conservative repair”. By law it must be notified of applications to demolish listed buildings in England and Wales and comments on hundreds each year. Today its broad remit is to advise, educate and campaign. The Society also trains architects and craftsmen; produces a range of helpful publications and campaigns on issues like VAT. It also has a separate section devoted to Mills. For more information about SPAB, courses, advice and other publications go to www.spab.org.uk