Traditional building crafts

Taking the traditional approach

Since the late 20th-century, the traditional craft workforce has reduced dramatically.

Our historic buildings are increasingly threatened with the low supply of conservation craftspeople, but we actively encourage and support growth and apprenticeships within this industry.

 

If you are interested in a career in conservation crafts, see 'further reading' for a list of helpful organisations.

Blacksmith/metalworker

Blacksmiths shape and join metals like steel, iron, copper and bronze to make both decorative and practical items. They also sometimes restore historic ironwork.

 

Bricklayer & craft mason

Bricklayers and craft masons build or repair external and internal walls and chimneys using lime mortar, rather than cement mortar. Sometimes, this will include special shapes, thicknesses and patterns of bricks and the use of different bonds, maybe with handmade rather than mass-produced bricks.

Carpenter & joiner

Carpenters and joiners make, fix and install replacement timber components. This can include structural work, such as roofs, staircases or floors - or the repair/replacement of doors, door frames, window frames, skirting boards, architraves and other mouldings.

A bench joiner works in a workshop using a range of different woods to prepare components, such as doors, staircases and windows. They may be required to make copies of original pieces.

Dry stone waller

The waller works to the same building principles of constructing a wall, but without mortar, and responds to regional variations using local stone usually found or quarried close to hand. They repair and re-build existing walls or build new walls.

Glazier

Glaziers working on historic buildings can be involved in the conservation, repair and maintenance of plain glass – in-situ or by removing panes to a studio. Often the design, manufacture and installation of new glazed panels will form part of the job role.

Painted and kiln fired glass is known as stained glass, the maintenance and conservation of which should be carried out by accredited conservators.

Lead worker

A Lead Worker should be able to install lead sheet to various roofing applications by forming weathertight details using bossing and welding techniques.

Painter & decorator

Painters and decorators work internally and externally and are fully aware of the properties of the materials they are using. The ornate nature of the finishes within many old buildings means painters and decorators need a creative flair and an eye for detail.

Plasterer

Plasterers repair and restore external walls (rendering or harling), internal walls and ceilings (plastering), or floor finishes (screeds). They have a full understanding of base materials as a thorough examination and preparation of the background is needed. This may include, for example, repair and maybe replacement of timber laths.

Plasterers can also be responsible for the repair or replication of missing ornamental decoration on unusual surfaces, such as cornices, domed ceilings and vaults.

Roof slater & tiler

Roof slaters and tilers install and repair roof coverings and have an understanding of modern and traditional techniques. They will often work with handmade materials - from clay tiles to natural stone and slate.

Steeplejack

Steeplejacks carry out visual and physical inspections on inaccessible features, such as spires, turrets and chimneys to assess the overall structural stability or condition.

They use a range of access systems, like abseiling, and will undertake in-situ repair work, for example: re-pointing and masonry repairs or applying coatings.

Stonemason

Stonemasons conserve and repair as well as construct new masonry structures.

Banker masons work in a workshop or on a bench on site. They shape and carve different components - often replacing decayed stones with accurate replicas. Fixer masons install the pieces using traditional lime mortars. An understanding of the structural aspects of load-bearing elements, such as arches and lintels, is essential.

Thatcher

Thatchers roof, re-roof and repair thatched properties using traditional methods. They have to conform to strict rules governing the materials and methods they use in order to preserve the building in its original form.

Wall & floor tiler

Wall and floor tilers work on a range of tiled surfaces, for example, encaustic and geometric floor tiles and hand dipped or hand painted tiles.

In historic buildings their work often involves removal of tiles that are damaged, loose or have become detached from the surface behind. They will clean, repair and replace each tile - matching it to the original scheme.


If you are interested in a career in conservation crafts, see 'further reading' for a list of helpful organisations and keep an eye on the Training and education section of the website for opportunities.