Show Time at Greenwich

Nearly 3000 visitors came to the SPAB’s first ever Old House Show at the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC), Greenwich in September.

Showcasing the best in practical conservation, the two days (7-8 September) attracted building professionals, homeowners, enthusiasts and those interested in developing a career in the heritage sector.

Throughout the event visitors were able to book places at advice surgeries to gain expert advice on issues affecting their building. SPAB caseworkers and technical advisors were on hand to offer support and guidance on planning, building and structural issues.

Our rolling series of talks in the spectacular Chapel of St Peter and St Paul attracted more than 2300 visitors over the two days, with Loyd Grossman’s keynote address ‘Why Heritage Matters’ on Friday morning drawing a crowd of 300. In addition craft specialists stationed along the ORNC’s colonnade gave demonstrations of stone masonry, carpentry, brick-laying, stained glass, black smithing and traditional roofing.

SPAB Director Matthew Slocombe says: “The show was an ambitious experiment for the Society, designed to bring the lively and collaborative  'feel' of a SPAB Working Party indoors.  We knew it had to be held at a special historic building rather than a conference centre, and that it had to offer the helpful and practical advice the Society aims to deliver.  Our ambition was that the show should appeal to all interested in old buildings - whether professionals or enthusiasts and members or non-members.  Attendance exceeded our highest expectations and the spectacular Old Royal Naval College proved an additional attraction for the thousands who came along.  My thanks go to all staff, volunteers, members, exhibitors, demonstrators and speakers who made it such a success'.

The SPAB would like to thank all Old House Show attendees, exhibitors, speakers, demonstrators and volunteers for making the event a success.