Humble Heritage Workshop: Historic Brickwork Repair

Event details

Humble Heritage Workshop: Historic Brickwork Repair - Kibworth Harcourt Mill Roundhouse

8 June 2022
09:45 - 17:00
Kibworth Harcourt Mill, Windmill Farm Park, Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, LE8 0PR  
£165 per person

This workshop offers delegates a unique opportunity to learn about the repair of historic brickwork through live demonstrations and tutorials, whilst gaining hands-on experience working on repairs to Kibworth Harcourt Mill’s brick roundhouse.  

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and SPAB Mills Section have embarked on a repair project at Kibworth Harcourt Mill, an outstanding historic post mill at Kibworth Harcourt in Leicestershire. Some parts of Kibworth Harcourt Mill date back to 1711 and its main post shows evidence of dating back to the early 1700s. The mill is classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade II* listed building. Through the SPAB’s repair, the mill will become operational for the first time since the 1930s.  

Repairs to the mill’s brick roundhouse will be the final element of the 10-month project. We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to the public to take part in this workshop at Kibworth Harcourt Mill before the project closes. Historic brickwork specialist Lynn Mathias will lead the workshop. Lynn has worked with brick, flint and lime mortar in the conservation sector for over 30 years.  

On this workshop, you will learn: 

• laying handmade bricks using spirit levels;
• laying handmade bricks using traditional lime mortar;
• mixing traditional lime mortar;
• preparation of brickwork;
• repointing; 
• bonding details;
• how piers are constructed;
• building piers using handmade bricks. 

Spaces are limited to allow for small-group learning.  

The SPAB is an IHBC recognised CPD provider and attendance certificates for CPD are available on request. 

Lunch is not included, but light refreshments (tea, coffee & biscuits) will be provided.  At lunchtime, an area will be reserved for workshop delegates at the Windmill Farm Park Café, where hot and cold meals and other snacks are available for you to buy.  Alternatively, please bring your own packed lunch to eat at the site.

About our Humble Heritage workshops:
The SPAB’s 'Humble Heritage' workshops offer hands-on courses that explore and celebrate traditional buildings and the skills that go into creating and repairing them. We welcome suggestions about future course subjects: materials, techniques and building types. 

Workshop Programme (subject to minor changes):

Wednesday 8 June 2022 
09:45    Meet at Windmill Farm Park car park for registration 
10:00    Walk to site
10:15    Welcome and Introductions + Health and Safety Briefing 
10:25    Site Tour and Introductory Talk 
11:00    Practical Session, part 1 
12:00    Lunch (not provided)
             Buy lunch at Windmill Farm Park Café next door or bring own packed lunch
13:00    Practical Session, part 2 
15.00    Afternoon Refreshments 
15:20    Practical Session, part 3 
16:40    Clean Up and opportunity for final questions 
17:00    Close   

What to Bring:   
The workshop will be largely outside so we recommend you bring waterproofs in the event of rain, and warm layered clothes for comfort.  It is also recommended that you wear overalls or old working clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or damaged.  You will need to wear sturdy (flat, enclosed) footwear, ideally steel-toe capped.  If you have trouble standing for long periods, you may wish to bring a light-weight portable chair/stool.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including goggles, gloves and high-vis jackets, will be provided but please feel free to bring your own (you are unlikely to need hard hats on site, although these will also be available).

Accessibility:
Please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Image credit: Daniel Bridge