We are delighted to share that the Commonwealth Heritage Forum and City & Guilds of London Art School will be offering ‘Introduction to Global Conservation’, a Commonwealth Summer School once again this summer.
This will run for two weeks from 21 July – 1 August 2025
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Be inspired by this rare opportunity to learn the preservation of cultural histories through conservation skills training in one of the few art schools in Britain still teaching traditional craftsmanship. The summer school is arranged in a ‘carousel’ over 2 weeks. In one week, you will learn a range of woodcarving and joinery skills offered at the City & Guilds of London Art School, and in the other week you will be introduced to the principles and practice of working with lime mortar.
Over the course of the 2 weeks, you will be invited to share ideas and exchange approaches from the projects you are currently working on in a discursive environment. You will be taken on two offsite group visits to some of London’s most iconic and important historic buildings to learn how the skills you are developing were originally applied, and to better understand contemporary approaches to the conservation of existing fabric.
In the second week, you will learn the specific skills that are relevant to the preparation and use of lime mortar, lime render, lime plaster, lime wash and limecrete. In the Art School’s specialist workshops, you will have hands-on opportunities to try out these techniques. You will work in an exciting art school context and be taught by a range of leading specialists.
During the programme you will have the opportunity hear a talk on the philosophy of conservation, allowing you to synthesise practical experience with broader cultural understandings.
The Commonwealth Heritage Forum will award up to twenty-four (24) full bursaries to include: course fees, including accommodation and lunch meals whilst on campus at the Art School; a stipend for sundries and weekday breakfast and dinner meals; return air travel from your home country to London Heathrow airport; travel from London Heathrow airport to the short-term student accommodation in London; and UK visitor visa costs (if applicable).
See full information on eligibility and how to apply here.
Deadline for applications: Monday 17 February 2025
Apply by email: info@chstrainingprogramme.org
