Specialist day one day course on Plumbing and Decorative Leadwork

(31/08/2007)

Increasingly, the very specific crafts skills needed for leadwork are being lost. In fact there is currently a shortage of skilled leadworkers as much of this work is now carried out by roofers who, often, lack the training to enable them to do the job properly.

Today we are familiar with the dull grey appearance of lead rainwater goods, but in earlier times, particularly during the medieval period, these were often extravagantly ornamented, painted and gilded. To a certain extent embellishments were briefly revived by the Arts and Crafts Movement but there are simply not enough skilled craftsworkers practising today who have the experience and training needed to tackle this very specific task.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, (SPAB) will offer on October 19th 2007 a specialist day one day course on Plumbing and Decorative Leadwork in association with the Worshipful Company of Plumbers and Norman & Underwood.

This one-day ‘school of excellence’, including a unique opportunity to see lead being produced using traditional methods in the Norman and Underwood workshop in Leicester, will be led by expert Dr Peter Rumley. The course willl re-introduce delegates to essential leadwork skills. It is suitable for anyone who wants to extend and develop their expertise in this area. Cost is £100 including lunch.

Norman & Underwood is the largest and oldest UK manufacturer of traditional sand cast lead. The company has supplied and installed traditional sand cast lead to Salisbury Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court Palace, Chatsworth House and many of the major cathedrals, thousands of churches and numerous historical buildings throughout the UK.

Related categories:  Rainwater   Training 

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