The course comprises lectures, case studies, demonstrations, practical exercises, discussions and tours of the Weald and Downland Living Museum’s timber-framed buildings, with particular reference to the development of structural timber repairs undertaken at the Museum over more than fifty years. It includes lectures on fungal decay, insect attack and their conservative treatments, with current research and recent case studies on the subject.

What students need to bring

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

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

Day 1
3pm-5pm: Registration  
5.45pm: Welcome Talk
5pm-6.45pm: Dinner
7pm: 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
Summary, feedback and discussion
*Lunch will be provided at the Weald and Downland Living Museum

Terms & Conditions