Historic buildings workshop – a rare opportunity to see building conservation in action

The venue is thought to be the largest country house of the 18th century.  The classical east front is over 600 feet long and the building covers over 3 acres. The house, gardens and the core of the historic estate were purchased by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust in 2017 to save it from dereliction and bring it into the public domain. It contains 22 listed buildings and structures, including 3 Grade 1 and 4 grade 2*, all of which require major repairs. The house contains more grand 18th century state rooms than any other country house in England and the magnificent Marble Saloon 60feet square by 40feet high rivals in grandeur any interior of the 18th century.  At the moment the central section of the east front of the house is undergoing a major roof renovation and is cloaked in over 35 miles of scaffold poles supporting a huge temporary roof. This is part of a 25 year programme of conservation and repair which will bring the house and associated buildings up to a reasonable condition and beneficial use. The day will include a formal Power Point presentation on site in the morning, followed by the opportunity of viewing first-hand the roof repairs and hearing about the project from the site manager. The afternoon will include a conducted tour of some of the best of the 18th century state rooms, a number of which are awaiting conservation.

Historic Roof Coverings

• Slate, history and quarrying, problems of failure, selection of materials and repair.
• Lead, flashings and lead sheet, problems including under sheet corrosion, acid attack, correct detailing and installation.

Historic Interiors

• The conservation of internal decorative features, particularly plasterwork.

The cost of the day to include seminar proceedings, all refreshments, lunch, entry to any historic venue and a comprehensive delegate pack (including the discount for IHBC members) is £112.50 plus VAT (£135.00)