Loyd Grossman is keynote speaker for The Old House Show

Broadcaster and heritage champion Loyd Grossman is to be the keynote speaker at our first ever grand exhibition, The Old House Show, presented in partnership with Period Living in September.

Taking place at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich over two days, (Friday 7th – Saturday 8th September), The Old House Show is for homeowners, professionals, building enthusiasts and craft lovers – and it’s absolutely free.   With exhibition space selling out fast and a vibrant talks and building crafts demonstration programme to be confirmed shortly, The Old House Show is for everyone with an interest in conservation, heritage and period property.

SPAB Director, Matthew Slocombe said: “We are delighted that Loyd Grossman, Chairman of the Heritage Alliance, has agreed to be our keynote speaker for the inaugural The Old House Show.  Loyd will be speaking on the theme Why Heritage Matters on the opening day and it is terrific to have such an eminent and well-known advocate of historical buildings and conservation leading our talks programme.”

He added: “We have been inspired by the overwhelming interest in The Old House Show and encourage anyone wishing to attend the event to pre-register for tickets as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out.  We anticipate a busy two days with professionals and the public enjoying the breadth and depth that the SPAB’s first full-scale show has to offer.”

The talks will take place in the splendid surroundings of the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul.   Topics will explore new design in old buildings, historic interiors, discovering your home’s history and much more. Conservation at the Old Royal Naval College; New Design for Old Buildings – the SPAB Approach; Exploring your Home’s History; William Morris and Arts & Crafts Style; Fire Protection for Historic Homes; and Historic Surfaces: Paints, Papers and Plaster; the full programme is due to be announced shortly.

Meanwhile, The Old House Show’s building crafts demonstrations programme in the Old Royal Naval College’s colonnade will see live demonstrations including lime slaking, stone carving and letter cutting, brick repair techniques, timber framing, blacksmithing, carpentry techniques and stained glass.

There will also be a Careers Panel on the Friday afternoon, providing an informal forum to explore careers information and key topical issues relating to working with old buildings or in the conservation sector in general. On Saturday, there will be an expert advice panel focusing on Living with your old building.   Visitors will be able to take advantage of professionals on hand to provide free, clear and unbiased advice and what is best for their building.

Register for Old House Show tickets.

Note to editors
Loyd Grossman was appointed Chairman of the Heritage Alliance in 2009. The Alliance represents over 100 non-governmental and voluntary organisations working in the heritage sector. He is a strong advocate for the independent heritage sector and promotes the sector’s interests and concerns with key influencers and decision makers in Whitehall and Westminster, and with the business community. He was awarded a CBE in the 2015 Birthday Honours for his services to heritage. Loyd is also Vice President of the Churches Conservation Trust. Photo of Loyd Grossman: Will Pascall.