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SPAB – VIRTUAL – Project Iron Bridge – Saving an Industrial Icon

22 July 2020 - 16:00 - 17:00

Free

Join us for this free online webinar to hear about the recent Europa Nostra Awards/European Heritage Award winning conservation project led by English Heritage.

The Iron Bridge is the world’s first bridge constructed of iron, and a symbol of the Industrial Revolution. Since its completion in 1779 it has faced many challenges, with stresses in the ironwork dating from the original construction compounded by ground movement in the Ironbridge Gorge, and a 19th century earthquake. The bridge was in full use for over 150 years, by ever-increasing traffic, before being designated an Ancient Monument and closed to vehicles in 1934. After surveys discovered dangerous structural cracks, English Heritage embarked on the largest conservation project in its history, preserving the Iron Bridge for the future.

Sara Crofts, Chair of Europa Nostra UK, will introduce the Europa Nostra Awards/European Heritage Awards, giving a brief introduction to the awards programme and how to apply for the 2021 awards. We will then hear from Head Collections Curator at English Heritage Matt Thompson who will speak about the history of the structure, the conservation work undertaken and the future of the industrial icon, finishing the lecture with a Q&A session.

This event hosted by the SPAB, Europa Nostra UK and English Heritage.

About the speaker: 

Matt Thompson is the Head Collections Curator at English Heritage, a charity that cares for more than 400 historic sites in England and a large collection of associated objects. Matt’s previous role was as Director of Collections and Learning at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. He has a particular interest in the early years of the Industrial Revolution in Britain and is particularly fascinated by the representations of industry in art and literature.

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