Programme Overview
Gain hands-on experience with heritage lime mortar techniques within the grounds of Reading Abbey Ruins, a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This full-day CPD course combines classroom theory with supervised practical sessions.
Why attend this training day
- An introduction to traditional lime mortars on historic buildings
- Classroom and practical session
- Walk through Reading Abbey Ruins
- Appreciation of different binders and mixes
Who should attend
Skilled Tradespeople
10.00 – 11.30 Session One: Classroom Presentation
- The benefits of lime
- The importance of appropriate specification
- The lime cycle and the chemistry of lime
- Hydraulic limes, pure limes and their uses
- Binders, aggregates, pozzolans
- Methodology – H&S, mixing, application and tending
11.30 – 12.00 Guided Walk: Reading Abbey Ruins
- A summary of application of lime mortars
12.00 – 13.00 Lunch
13.00 – 14.00 Practical Session One
- H&S toolbox talk
- Mixing demonstration of different binders
- In pairs – mixing two mortars using NHL and Quicklime
14.00 – 16.00 Practical Session Two
- Application of mortar to the Abbey Ruins Walls
- Techniques for pointing and consolidation
- Techniques for tending
What you will take away
- Handout with notes
- IHBC certificate
Ben Newman is an art school-trained stonemason and carver with extensive experience of producing high-quality work in the repair of Historic Buildings. He has been teaching stone carving for over seven years and is expert in communicating the practical skills and know-how necessary to begin to master the skill to work stone.
Amelia Morrison studied History of Art at Goldsmiths, University of London; then achieved her Level 3 Bankermasonry Diploma at the Building Crafts College. Amelia is the Stonemasonry Foreman for Architectural Projects at Cliveden Conservation and has worked on many award-winning projects.