28th July, 2026
The course will outline the maintenance that traditional buildings require and attendees will gain an understanding of traditional building techniques and the correct materials to use when undertaking repairs.This is also an excellent opportunity to speak to the SLCTs expert tutors about your project attendees are welcome to bring along photos and mortar samples for some specific advice.Topics coveredIntroduction to Traditional BuildingsDamp problems and solutionsMasonry repairsRoofs and general maintenanceSash and Case WindowsTimber decay repairHarls and RendersLimewash and traditional paint
"; fcontent[1]="28th July, 2026
This online lecture will explore the building physics behind retrofitting traditional buildings, with a particular focus on why insulation decisions must be based on a proper understanding of how older fabric performs. Looking at vernacular buildings through a whole-building lens, the talk will consider how heat, air, and moisture move through traditional construction, and why this behaviour differs significantly from that of modern buildings.
"; fcontent[2]="30th July, 2026
Experience a unique day of insight and connection in Northern Ireland.Challenge yourself to a different learning experience and join Heritage Networks day trip to Rathlin Island for a networking event sharing with and learning from Rathlin Community Development Association around the themes of heritage regeneration, restoration, sustainability and social enterprise in a challenging environmental and financial landscape.Programme9.30 Sharp Meet at the Rathlin Ferry terminal in Ballycastle Harbour10.00 Board Ferry for Rathlin10.45 Assemble on Quayside for guided walk to The Kelp House11.45 Walk back via the top road to see the Walled Garden site proposed community project13.00 Lunch at The Manor House14.00 Workshop discussion in The Manor House16.00 Free time to explore the sea front17.00 Board ferry from Rathlin Quay back to Ballycastle ETA Ballycastle 17.45pmPlease note that the ferry tickets will be provided by the event organisers, all attendees will be foot passengers.
"; fcontent[3]="25th August, 2026
A day school offering a practical look at the types and uses of limewash, distemper and linseed-based paints.Participants will find out how limewash is used and coloured and see examples of its application on the historic buildings at the Museum. You will learn how to mix distemper and its context in historical and contemporary buildings, and look at current linseed oil paint ranges before going on to make your own linseed paint.You will also find out about colour theory, how to use pigments for colouring and the principles behind colour matching before gaining hands-on experience of applying distemper or limewash.
"; fcontent[4]="4th September, 2026
The 3 day conference will be split between the university for lectures and presentations, and Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon village, for one day of practical activities. Other visits and tours planned, including to the universitys materials testing labs and Tynemouth Castle Priory.
"; fcontent[5]="14th September, 2026
This course introduces the principles and practicalities of historic paint analysis, helping participants understand when it is appropriate, how to commission it, and how to use the results to support informed and proportionate paint schemes for heritage assets.Through interactive group work and dynamic case studies, you will deepen your general knowledge of the significance of the building or room under analysis, covering its history, later alterations, an assessment of its existing condition, and plans for its future conservation and presentation.The course will be delivered by Helen Hughes FIIC ACR, an ICON Accredited Conservator-Restorer who specialises in Architectural Paint/Finishes research.
"; fcontent[6]="14th September, 2026
This course introduces the principles and practicalities of historic paint analysis, helping participants understand when it is appropriate, how to commission it, and how to use the results to support informed and proportionate paint schemes for heritage assets.The course coversWhy paint analysis matters and when to commission it.How to brief specialists and understand the sampling process.What to look for.Understanding paint analysis reports and their limitations
"; fcontent[7]="23rd September, 2026
Join us for an introduction to historic buildings, how to look after them, and how to learn more about them. This afternoon session will equip you with all the knowledge required to undertaken your own research into the history and development of historic buildings. There will be a particular focus on how sources can be used to inform appropriate alterations and accompany applications for listed building consent.
"; fcontent[8]="23rd September, 2026
Join us for an introduction to historic buildings, how to look after them, and how to learn more about them. This course is ideal for owners of historic properties who want to learn more about their homes and how to preserve their special character. This morning session aims to demystify key planning terms and processes which are most commonly used, providing guidance to those who own a listed building or live within a Conservation Area.
"; fcontent[9]="27th Sep, 2026
Join hundreds of community heritage leaders in Belfast and Armagh for three days of networking, discussion, learning, exploration. More info nearer the time.
"; fcontent[10]="28th September, 2026
Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the course explores British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings.The 5-day-course will includeConservation principles The SPAB Approach Historic building controls Construction and performance of traditional buildings Conservation structural engineering Dealing with damp in old buildings The care and repair of historic roofs Plasterwork in historic buildings Historic paints and wallpapers Services in historic buildings Stonework repairs Flintwork repairs Timber repairs Traditional brickworkrepairs Metalwork Lime Conservation of stained glass Climate change, sustainability and retrofitting
"; fcontent[11]="04th October, 2026
The Annual Cambridge Conference will this year be featuring libraries. The Historic Interiors Group, will focus on different aspects of the interior with talks presented by architects, heritage consultants, librarians and conservators, including the history of Cambridge College Libraries, the conservation of the John Rylands Library, the history of Chethams Library Britains oldest public library, the conservation of globes, the discovery of book and manuscript evidence beneath the floorboards of Oxburgh Hall, environmental issues in libraries and the development of library conservation.
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The next series of Hornemann Institutes internet-based learning courses runs from 5 October - 29 November. Registration period 20 July - 20 September.New ECTS credits will be awarded as part of micro-credentials for our online courses. A micro-credential is an academic course offered by an accredited university that ensures participants to acquire additional qualifications. Our courses in English Damages to Cultural Heritage Caused by Salts Analysis of Transparent Coatings on Furniture and Wooden Objects Microbial Infestation of Artistic and Cultural Heritage Objects How to Safely Handle Contaminated Cultural Heritage Mould and Documents Church Interiors and their Climate. Heating, Ventilation, and the Protection of Furnishings Consolidation of Wood. Possibilities and Limits of Structural Consolidation How Should We Act Theory and Ethics of Conservation and its Significance in Practice Renaissance and Baroque Period Photography as a Tool for Documentation and Examination Restoration Theories and Methods from 1945 to the Present Day Conservation of Globes
"; fcontent[13]="13-15 Oct, 2026
Hosted at our Emergency Planning Training Centre, the 3-day Salvage and Disaster Recovery course provides delegates the opportunity to put theory into practice so they are better equipped if they have to deal with a real emergency. Anyone who is expected to take charge of an emergency situation, or participate in the salvage and protection of artefacts is given the opportunity to practice salvage skills in realistic incident conditions and ultimately use an emergency plan effectively.
"; fcontent[14]="21st October, 2026
An examination of the causes of decay in hardwoods and softwoods, fungal and insect damage, treatments with and without the use of chemicals and monitoring to maintain healthy buildings.Topics covered during the day includeTimber science an introduction to the biology of timberThe alien world of fungal decay in buildingsWhen insects attack its not often and you probably dont need to worryMonitoring a building to maintain healthy timber.
"; fcontent[15]="1st Nov, 2026
Join the SPAB Dorset Group for a special foray into Devon to visit to Stedcombe House, Axmouth. Guided by owners Paul and Sybella Zisman, this is a chance to learn about their work on this Grade I listed 17th-century house and its Grade II listed Victorian lodge.The owners are embarking on a programme of which will upgrade the services to the building, with sustainability and green energy green energy very much at the fore of their thinking. This naturally has repercussions for the whole building. They also have plans for rejuvenaton of the grounds. Works to the Lodge are underway and we will be able to view the outside.
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