Old House Project Course: Window Repairs with Robert Croudace and Callum McCaffrey

Event details

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED BUT YOU CAN REGISTER TO JOIN THE WAITING LIST

About the Course 

On this one-day workshop you will be given a practical, hands-on introduction to the processes involved in traditional window repairs from two joinery and glazing specialists.  Through a combination of live demonstrations and hands-on teaching, you will gain an understanding of the characteristics of various timbers and how to select the appropriate wood for your repairs.  You will learn about the tools required and the use of adhesives, fixings and surface finishes.  You will also be introduced to different glass types, including leaded and stained glass panels, and learn about the hand tools used to remove, install and cut glass and leaded panels.  

Demonstrations will include installation of glass and leaded panels into timber, metal frames and stone, as well as shaping, cutting and soldering of lead cames.  Delegates will all have the opportunity to gain practical experience at basic door and window repairs, including removal of decayed sections, scarfing-in new sections, replacing components, soldering lead cames, cutting/shaping glass and re-glazing.

The course is being held at the SPAB’s Old House Project where work is currently ongoing, giving you a rare opportunity to learn about the theory and practice of window repair, whilst witnessing the work being carried out in real time by our contractors, Owlsworth IJP, who will also be on-hand to answer any questions you have.

Cost: £95 per person 

Discounted rate for students available on request.  Please contact catherine.rose@spab.org.uk for more details.

Clothing & Equipment

The course is being held at a live working site so you will need to wear practical clothing and sturdy shoes, ideally steel toe-capped.  You will be both indoors and outdoors throughout the day so please be advised to wear warm layers and bring waterproof outerwear.  Any additional PPE required (hard hats, high-vis vests etc.) will be provided for you on-site.

Programme

09:30: Meet at The Old House Project site entrance

10:00: Welcome & Introduction to the Old House Project (Jonny Garlick)
           Health & Safety briefing  

10:30: Joinery or Glazing session (see full details below)

13:30: Lunch (this is a working site with very limited catering provision, so we advise delegates to bring along a packed lunch)

14:15: Joinery or Glazing session (see full details below)

17:15: Final Q&A and discussion

17:30: Close                     

Following introductions/health & safety briefing and a talk by the SPAB’s Jonny Garlick about the Old House Project (OHP) you will be divided into two smaller groups, alternating between the Joinery and Glazing sections (see below for full details).  

Tea & coffee will be available and there will be refreshment breaks during the morning and afternoon sessions.
 
Joinery

Theory    

-    The relative pros & cons of in-situ vs workshop repairs
-    Repair options/methods
-    Understanding timber characteristics: strengths, weaknesses, behaviours in various settings/environments
-    How to choose the correct timber for your window repair
-    What tools are required
-    Use of adhesives and fixings
-    Surface finishes

Practical

-    Basic repairs to doors & windows
-    Removal of decayed sections and scarfing-in of new
-    Replacing full components, such as stiles & rails
-    Easing of openers
-    De-glazing/re-glazing

Glazing

Theory    

-    How to identify glass types and leaded & stained glass panels
-    Repair options/methods
-    Recording work on site and in the studio
-    What tools are required to remove, install and cut glass and leaded panels
-    Materials required    

Practical

-    Demonstration of how to cut, shape and assemble lead cames to create a leaded panel
-    Demonstration of and opportunity to cut and shape glass
-    Demonstration of and opportunity to solder lead cames

About the Tutors

Robert Croudace – Glazier, R. G. Croudace Glass

Rob specialises in the repair, design and installation of traditional glazing including leaded and stained glass. Working with period homes and listed buildings, he is passionate about the use of appropriate glazing and other materials to complement the existing building fabric. Through his years of experience he has a deep appreciation of the different colours, textures, shapes and lines found in expert glass design.  

Callum McCaffrey – Joinery Manager, Owlsworth IJP

Callum’s passion for woodwork started at school, where he became fascinated with how beautiful and unique different timbers are and the story each piece told.   Having been apprenticed to the National Trust as a Carpenter/Joiner, Callum started his joinery journey at NT Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland.  He joined Owlsworth IJP 5 years ago and has works on projects such as Woburn Abbey, St John’s College, Winchester Cathedral, East St Helen St (Abingdon), as well as other manor houses and mansions.  Callum was promoted to Joinery Manager in 2021 and continues to enjoy getting involved in all joinery projects for Owlsworth IJP.

 
About the Old House Project

The SPAB’s Old House Project site is a Grade II* ‘building at risk’ near Maidstone, Kent. St Andrews (former) chapel is a ‘sleeping beauty’ that has stood empty for around 50 years. When the SPAB bought the building in November 2018, it was hidden behind an overgrown garden; vandal damage had left the site vulnerable; and parts of the roof were leaking. In 2018 and early 2019 emergency work to the roof and windows was carried out and a security system installed. In 2020 our bespoke scaffolding was in place, allowing socially-distanced access to the roof. We carried out vital roof repairs to the characterful 20th century post office extension, embarked on extensive archaeological work to help us understand the story of St Andrews, and much more. But there are significant repairs still to be done. 

St Andrews has a colourful and fascinating history: it has housed a relic of St Andrew, was owned by Tudor poet Thomas Wyatt, and acted as a local post office in the 20th century. Over the course of the project the SPAB will work with Historic England, Kent Archaeological Society and the local council to uncover more of the building’s story and to bring St Andrew’s back to life. 

We are increasingly concerned about the decline of craft skills in the UK. A fifth of our housing stock is pre-1919 but much of the maintenance and repair work on these buildings is undertaken by people without specialist skills. In purchasing St Andrews we have embarked on a five-year project to repair this characterful medieval building whilst showcasing the very best conservation methods and materials.

We will share our learnings and progress through our education programme, video demonstrations and the project book (see project resources below). When it comes to historic buildings we advocate repair over demolition. The Old House Project will show what can be done to bring an ‘at risk’ building back into use.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.