There is no parallel in the architectural conservation world to the annual SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) Lethaby Scholarship. The four newest recruits to this long established training scheme for young architectural and building professionals now join a roster of talented individuals, many of whom care for the most significant buildings in Britain.
Kristian Foster, 33, architect, Aoife Murphy, 31, structural engineer and Lilian Main, 26, architect have embarked on a prestigious nine-month programme of site, workshop and studio visits across the UK.
The aim is for SPAB’s Scholars to gain hands-on experience of building conservation in action guided by experts in the field and to use this knowledge to inform their own approach in their working lives. Their travels will enable them to meet fellow architects, building specialists and craftspeople working in traditional ways.
Their travels will enable them to meet fellow architects, building specialists and craftspeople working in traditional ways. The Scholars have already toured Canterbury Cathedral, the atmospheric Abney Park Cemetery in London and Hampton Court Palace. The group will move further afield over the next 9 months visiting castles in the Inner Hebrides, thatching in the West Country and repairing ruined mills in Derbyshire.
This highly regarded educational scheme has run for more than 80 years. Since 1930 it has set over 150 young architecture and building professionals on the road to positions of great responsibility in the conservation sector.
The Scholarship continues to have enormous relevance. With growing concern at the lack of skilled professionals with the knowledge needed to deal sensitively with historic buildings, SPAB knows that the best way to learn about construction and repair methods available today is out on site.
