The Use of Lime in Historic Buildings 4-5 April 2025

4-5 April 2025

Llanymynech Limeworks, near Oswestry, Shropshire

All buildings constructed before the mid-nineteenth century would have used LIME for mortar, render, plaster and limewash. Lime allows buildings to ‘breathe’, but yet it is sometimes tricky to use and takes longer to apply, dry and finish than modern cements, and therefore many builders are unhappy with using it. Yet if you live, work or own an old property, using cement for repairs will damage the fabric of the building so this is your chance to get to understand the lime cycle, lime mixing and to enjoy practical hands-on sessions pointing and plastering using lime. Tim Ratcliffe, Conservation Architect, Simon Ayres of Lime Green and Stuart Preece, Plasterer, will be course tutors for an enjoyable two outdoor days. Mark Hawcroft will teach us about hot-mixed lime. Not for the faint-hearted!
‘great fun – I’ll never use cement again’

Course Description

Birmingham City University is offering workshops in Conservation of the Historic Environment which can be attended individually as elements of CPD training accredited by the IHBC (institute of Historic Building Conservation).

What are they?
There are two-day workshops on a range of topics related to Conservation of the Historic Environment - sustainability, conservation legislation, conservation planning, the history of British Buildings, project management and urban design, disaster management and heritage management, and so on. There are also more practical two-day workshops on lime, stone, timber, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ceramic building materials, twentieth-century building materials, building recording, historic interiors, traditional estate management and canal heritage. The hands-on workshops will include visits to working sites such as the Black Country Living Museum and Wightwick Manor near Wolverhampton.

Who are they for?
They are for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the management of the historic environment in a particular area. Or for those who want to refresh their skills. Or for those who want to do a short course as a taster before deciding whether to commit to a longer post-graduate programme.

How much do they cost?
£210 for each two-day course. Some courses have limited capacity.

What do they come with?
Each participant gets an attendance certificate and an extensive collection of resource material – reading list, articles and guidance.