2018 SPAB Fellows announced

The SPAB is delighted to announce its 2018 SPAB Fellows: Ross Buckley, a metalworker from the Isle of Wight; Nazar Dmiuterko, a stonemason with Cliveden Conservation in Buckinghamshire; and Gary Holliday a stonemason at Durham Cathedral.

Since 1987 the SPAB has organised the Fellowship to foster a new generation of outstanding craftspeople with the knowledge and expertise to pass on essential skills for working with historic materials. The prestigious scheme runs in parallel to the SPAB’s Scholarship programme for architectural / building professionals.

Ross was introduced to the Fellowship programme by SPAB Scholar Robert Williams whilst repairing the Cowes hammerhead crane on English Heritage's At Risk Register. Ross takes a keen interest in industrial machinery and mills; the Fellowship interview panel enjoyed hearing of his journeys with steam engines.

Nazar Dmiuterko was uninspired by his initial career path – IT. He explored different trades and sites whilst labouring in the building industry. Fascinated by the skills involved in carving stone, Nazar was taken under the wing of a mentor and encouraged down the stonemasonry route.

Gary Holliday is from a family background of stone merchants and new-build work but he diverged into conservative repair. Gary was inspired to pursue the Fellowship by a previous Fellow, Mike Goulding who he met at York College whilst training for a SkillBuild competition. He enjoys sharing his skills, teaching others and currently looks after a team of masons at Durham Cathedral.

The aim is for our 2018 Fellows to gain broad, practical experience and knowledge to enable them to bring a strong awareness of craft diversity to their future professional roles. The Fellowship also equips them with the skills necessary to lead and manage historic building contracts, while deepening their understanding of the importance of gentle repair - the keystone of the SPAB approach.