SPAB Scholars and Fellows come to Visit 2019 - The Spab Scholarship
Towards the end of the summer, we had the pleasure of welcoming the 2021 S.P.A.B Scholars and Fellows to Orleton Manor, one of our long-standing projects. For those unfamiliar with SPAB, we'll provide a brief overview below, but first, let's dive into the exciting activities these dedicated individuals engaged in during their visit.
The SPAB Scholars, consisting of architects, engineers, and surveyors, were accompanied by the Fellows, who come from hands-on backgrounds and included three carpenters this year. The program allows these individuals to travel across the country for nine months, visiting some of the most important heritage and conservation projects. This exposure provides them with the opportunity to learn from the best projects and craftspeople, gaining hands-on experience and developing their understanding of historic buildings.
Having undertaken the SPAB Scholarship myself in 2019, I, Christian Montez of Montez Architecture, see it as a perfect opportunity to give back each year by teaching the next generation of Scholars and Fellows. This year, we brought the team to Orleton Manor, where we are undertaking a wide range of repairs. Timber frame building repairs, especially in a conservation context, are often misunderstood, particularly in how new materials interact with historic ones.
Hands-On Learning at Orleton Manor
During their time at Orleton Manor, the scholars delved into the intricacies of cutting a stud repair joint. They learned the differences between green oak and seasoned oak, and with the guidance of their carpenter colleagues and on-site carpenters, they completed the task from start to finish using a set of drawings. The decision to use hand tools rather than power tools added an extra layer of challenge, providing a deeper understanding of the materials they were working with. The scholars’ first attempts were commendable and showcased their ability to adapt and learn quickly.
While the scholars focused on timber framing, the fellows, under the expert instruction of Chris Lawrence, explored hot mix pointing and stone carving. Despite the transferable skills between working with timber and stone, the latter presents a different medium. Tom and Toby, two of the fellows, produced impressive work carving a Yorkshire Rose, demonstrating their versatility and skill.
Who Are SPAB?
For those who may not know, SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) is a charity and statutory consultee focused on historic buildings. Founded in 1877 by William Morris and other members of the Arts and Crafts movement, SPAB's mission is to protect the nation’s historic buildings through education, lobbying, hands-on training, and their scholarship and fellowship programs. SPAB provides excellent technical advice, accessible through their website SPAB Advice and via their technical advice line. They also run the prestigious Fellowship and Scholarship programs.
A Worthwhile Journey - What is the SPAB Scholarship
The SPAB Scholarship and Fellowship programs offer an incredible opportunity for building professionals and craftspeople to travel for nine months (with a stipend), visiting and staying in some of the country’s greatest historic buildings, and learning from leading experts in the field. If you have the time and interest, it’s truly worth applying. For more information, visit SPAB Learning.
You can follow the journeys of this year's scholars and fellows on Instagram:
The visit from the SPAB Scholars and Fellows to Orleton Manor was a fantastic opportunity for learning and collaboration, reinforcing the importance of hands-on experience in the conservation of historic buildings. At Montez Architecture, we look forward to seeing the continued growth and achievements of these talented individuals and are committed to contributing to their development each year.
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