John Drake of the Drake Trust was given the Esher Award 2016 for the unflagging support he has given to training the next generation of conservation specialists. Past SPAB Scholar, architect Dorian Crone, accepted the award on Mr Drake’s behalf at the 2016 SPAB Members' Meeting in Kings Lynn.
Esher Award
Esher Award
The Esher Award commemorates the late Viscount Esher GBE, Hon FRIBA who was Chairman of the SPAB from 1932-1960. It is not presented each year, but is given when deserved to those who, on purely altruistic grounds, have furthered the cause of building conservation and the work of the Society.
Past Winners
2016 Recipient: John Drake
2015 Recipient: Elaine and Charles Blackett-Ord
Cumbria-based architect Elaine Blackett-Ord and engineer Charles Blackett-Ord, who have done so much to promote conservation in the north west and to support the SPAB’s work, including though Charles’ Chairmanship of the Society’s Technical Panel and though hosting the SPAB’s Scholars and Fellows on their country-wide conservation travels, received the award at the 2015 Members' Meeting in Carlisle.
2022 Recipient: Rory Young
Our Esher Award was presented to sculptor, conservator and artist Rory Young at the SPAB Heritage Awards ceremony. Over a long career, Rory has worked on some of the country's most famous buildings, including the west doorway at York Minster and creating seven new stone martyrs for St Albans Cathedral. Rory has been a loyal supporter of the SPAB for decades, hosting generations of Scholars and Fellows. Rory said: “Being part of the continuum of repair and renewal in a building’s life has been humbling, inspiring and a privilege.”
2021 Recipient: Charles Wagner
The award was given to recognise Charles' contribution to heritage and planning over decades. His long connection with the SPAB goes back to 1980, when he was the first engineer to undertake the Scholarship, our annual training scheme previously open only to architects and surveyors. He has served on various SPAB committees and most recently as Co-Chair and then as Vice-Chair of the SPAB until December 2021. For many years Charles was Head of Planning and Urban Advice at English Heritage; he now runs his own historic buildings consultancy. Charles has held numerous important voluntary...
2019 Recipient: Catherine Cullis
Catherine Cullis MBE was formerly Director of the Churches Conservation Trust and past SPAB Churches and Cathedrals Officer. As instigator of the SPAB’s Faith in Maintenance project, which provided training for volunteers caring for faith buildings across the country, as a member of Chichester Diocesan Advisory Committee and as a Guardian on the SPAB Casework Committee, Catherine has been a tireless advocate for the relevance and care of places of worship, building conservation and the work of the SPAB.
