As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we chatted to Sam Starsmore about his journey with The King’s Foundation, Building Craft and Conservation Programme, which led to his role at Cliveden Conservation.
What attracted you to The King’s Foundation, Building Craft and Conservation Programme, specifically?
While I had developed practical skills in stonemasonry working as an assistant to Teucer Wilson, one of the UK’s leading letter-cutters and stone carvers, specialising in relief carving, memorial headstones and public art, I had no formal qualifications. I knew that to pursue a serious career in heritage crafts, I would need professional training, but without funding, it felt out of reach.
I contacted the National Trust to ask where they trained their conservation staff and spoke to someone who was incredibly helpful. She recommended The King’s Foundation, and I immediately submitted my application along with a portfolio of work I had built during my time with Teucer Wilson, to whom I am enormously grateful. Without him, I would not have been able to demonstrate my work. I was astounded, delighted and heartened to be accepted.
How does the programme work? Was it a mix of on-the-job training and classroom learning?
I was invited to attend a summer school at Dumfries House, headquarters of The King’s Foundation. Being 30 at the time, I was encouraged to see a diverse mix of age groups on the residential course, including participants from international affiliate organisations.
To give us a deeper understanding of different crafts within conservation, the programme included modules in timber framework, geometry, ceramic tile arch building and blacksmithing. We were also asked to suggest potential placements that would help us develop our specialist skills. I wanted to take on more challenging work and large-scale projects in stonemasonry.
The King’s Foundation secured a placement for me at Exeter Cathedral, where I worked with their in-house masonry team. There, I received training in lime mortars and the conservation and repair of major historic stonework. I was then offered a placement with Cliveden Conservation at Baconsthorpe Castle, a significant English Heritage site. Over four weeks, I helped conserve the ruin through stone replacement and lime mortar repairs. My final placement was at Paisley Abbey, where I developed my skills in letter-cutting and inscriptions.
The final part of our course took place at Barley Court on the Highgrove Estate. Here we had the opportunity to build a 3m x 3m structure for drying dye plants. The whole course took just under a year, and I was awarded an NVQ Level 3 in Heritage Skills (Stonemasonry).
How did the role with Cliveden Conservation come about?
Cliveden Conservation encouraged me to apply for a Trainee Architectural Conservator role with them. I had really enjoyed working with the team and knew it would be the right fit for me once I had finished my course. Therefore, I was delighted that my application was successful.
The diverse range of projects I am now involved with is incredible. One day, I might be mixing lime mortar, the next undertaking heritage brickwork repairs. Currently, I am undertaking timber repairs to the roof of a historic mill. The opportunity to learn alongside experienced stonemasons and conservators is invaluable. I also feel genuinely honoured not only to see historic structures and artefacts that are not accessible to the public, but to help preserve them for future generations.
Has The King’s Foundation Programme changed your life?
It has transformed my life completely. I had reached a point where I was not sure I could pursue a career in heritage crafts. Through the programme, I am now in paid employment with Cliveden Conservation, and my plan is to develop my skills in flintwork, particularly relevant given where I live in Norfolk, and gain a qualification with the Cathedral Works Fellowship in stone and timber.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been supported by so many individuals and organisations, and I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. I would say to anyone wanting a career in heritage crafts: apply to The King’s Foundation. It could change everything.
Find out more about The King’s Foundation Building Craft and Conservation programme.