What is the Fellowship?

The Fellowship is a training programme designed to broaden the skills and experience of craftspeople involved in historic building repairs.

Since 1987 the Fellowship has embraced a wide variety of craft skills including timber framing, lime plastering, thatching, blacksmithing, pargeting, flint knapping, stained glass, stonemasonry, bricklaying, slating and tiling.

Each year, three or four Fellows, mid-career craft experts, develop their approach to repair and learn about other traditional craft techniques as well as developing their own skills, through site visits guided by experienced conservation professionals.

“I think I’ve already grown a lot since the start of the Fellowship. I’m being challenged by the constant social interactions and I’m definitely getting used to it. I’ve surprised myself by being so proactive even when I’m tired. Its getting easier to ask questions and to participate in conservation debates.”

Marly Lagnado, Stonemason. 2024 Fellowship

Specialist in timber frame and historic joinery, Dr Joseph Bispham, describes how Fellows he’s met have benefitted from the programme, it “has helped to develop their understanding of crafts that will protect and conserve the nation’s-built heritage.”

Nicola Duncan-Finn, Head of Heritage Skills at English Heritage describes how the syllabus “provides a unique foundation for a career in a heritage specialism working within the construction sector”.

Fleur Gordon, Head of Skills & Crafts, National Trust, says “the training is rooted in practical training where the Fellows learn via real conservation cases, but also have the opportunity to engage in discussions on conservation philosophy and techniques… ensuring that they complete the training with a real understanding of traditional materials and the craft of good repair, and also an appreciation of significance in historic building practice.”

The Fellowship gets craftspeople engaged with the SPAB Approach giving a deep understanding of our conservation philosophy and how it can be applied.

Additionally, it breaks down commonly encountered barriers between crafts people and specifiers like architects, planners, and structural engineers.

It also aims to raise the overall quality of heritage building craft skills and the status of craftspeople.