Wren300 celebrations – Wood if I could: experience the skills of wood carving and repair
Tuesday, 25th April to Thursday, 27th April 2023
FREE: A unique historic wood discovery experience over three days in the splendour of Sir Christopher Wren’s hidden masterpiece, St Mary Abchurch in the City of London.
See experts in wood carving and repair work in action, talk to them about their skilled craftmanship, and ‘have a go’ at letter cutting and carving in wood.
Participants will leave with new insights, knowledge essential for selecting the most appropriate methods for wood conservation and repair, and hands-on experience of techniques.
Members of the public, students and conservation professionals all welcome.
Drop in at any time or reserve your place for any of these sessions:
Day 1: Wood carving discovery day
Tuesday 25 April 2023 | Sessions at 10am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm
Hear from conservators and see them at work undertaking specialist carving repairs and cleaning work. ‘Have a go’ yourself at letter cutting, plus learn about the magnificent wood carvings and altar screen by Grinling Gibbons in this 17th-century architectural gem.
Day 2: Carving, cleaning and care experience
Wednesday 26 April 2023 | Sessions at 10am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm
Speak to expert conservators and find out more about exciting cleaning trials taking place. Meet apprentice and expert carvers carrying out repairs to the historic fretwork panels. Plus ‘have a go’ at letter cutting and marking in wood.
Day 3: Conservation of historic timber and carved wood
Thursday 27 April | Sessions at 10am-12 noon and 1pm-3pm
Gain a fascinating insight into wood anatomy using microscopy techniques from Master Carver, Alan Lamb. See conservation in action with carving repairs to the historic fretwork panels and cleaning trials to the famous Grinling Gibbons reredos.