Explore Your Archive: SPAB Stories

 Registration is closed for this event
Join us for an evening of readings and images, exploring how the SPAB has championed traditional buildings and the skills that created and care for them, from its beginning in 1877 to the present day.  

Useful Toil: The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and craft skills

28 November 2019, 18:15 - 20:30

Since it began, the SPAB has been a practical organisation, striving to find technical solutions to old building repair problems. Its co-founders, designer William Morris and architect Philip Webb,  themselves learnt by doing - Morris experimenting with dyeing and weaving methods, Webb working alongside builders on site to devise and carry out repairs.

Influenced by John Ruskin and guided by Webb, the SPAB became “a school of rational builders” seeking to apply its ideas in practice to show they were effective, promoting the use of traditional building materials, and training craftspeople to use them - work it continues today through its courses, hands-on working parties and respected William Morris Craft Fellowship training programme. 

Join us for an evening of readings and images, exploring how the SPAB has championed traditional buildings and the skills that created and care for them, from its beginning in 1877 to the present day. Our reader will be bricklayer and actor Paul Slack. The readings will be followed by a drinks reception.

Presented as part of the national Explore Your Archive festival 2019 - a celebration of archival collections across the UK & Ireland - the event includes an opportunity to view historic material from the SPAB archive.

Places are limited so book now!

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: The front steps outside (6) and internal stairs unfortunately restrict access for some. 
Please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements. 

When
28th November 2019 from  6:15 PM to  8:30 PM
Location
The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings
37 Spital Square
LONDON, E1 6DY
United Kingdom
Show large map