Lectures

Meet specialist heritage conservation carpenter Ross Harris as he explains how wooden sash windows can be economically and effectively repaired.

As part of a series of presentations by craftspeople working in the heritage built environment, Tracey Cartledge will talk about her journey to become a mosaic artist and restorer, and, more importantly, her fascinating projects.

By invitation of the Jersey Building Preservation Trust, join us to learn about the history and work of SPAB. Hear about our history, membership and some of the famous buildings we have sought to protect over the last 149 years.

Join SPAB Sussex for a talk by a distinguished SPAB Scholar - architect, author and Westminster Abbey Surveyor of the Fabric, Ptolemy Dean. Drawing on his new book Streetscapes: Navigating Historic English Towns, Ptolemy will explore how historic towns are experienced and understood, reviving the art of reading and appreciating England's urban spaces.

In this first talk of SPAB Ireland's 2026 lecture series, Gissella Renolfi of Carrig Conservation and a SPAB Ireland Committee member will draw on her own experience of upgrading her home. Aimed at homeowners, the talk will explore how to understand a building's fabric, assess its condition, and develop a considered approach to upgrading or retrofitting a traditional building.

In this talk Hannah Reynolds of Historic England will look how a whole-building approach can inform energy efficiency and climate resilience strategies for traditional buildings, balancing environmental performance with the conservation of historic fabric and significance using the latest research.

In this talk Rosanne Walker of Fabtrads will look at how older buildings can be upgraded without causing unintended damage. This lecture explores the building physics behind vernacular retrofit, explaining how heat, air and moisture move through traditional fabric, why insulation must be carefully considered, and how a whole-building approach can support more effective, compatible and resilient retrofit decisions.

In the fourth talk of SPAB Ireland’s 2026 lecture series, Jonathan Buckley of Shaffrey Architects will talk about the conservation of Dromdiah House and the careful approach taken to repair, revive, and secure the future of an important historic building.