Historic Timber: Identification, Decay and Approaches to Conservation

Structured CPD Points: 3

Format: Live webinar via Zoom

Recording: A recording of the webinar will be made available for a two-week period to all attendees and to ticket-holders who cannot attend on the day. In the latter case, please book as normal and you will be included on the video circular list after the event.

WEBINAR CONTENT

This morning webinar will explore the identification and properties of timber in historic buildings and discuss approaches to its conservation and repair. Led by leading wooden object conservator Sven Habermann of Conservation Letterfrack, the seminar will highlight the types of timbers traditionally used in old buildings and how they can be correctly identified.

Varieties of typical decay and structural defects will be highlighted and best practice solutions explored using case studies. Decorative work, from wall panelling and common architectural joinery, to fine cabinetry and floors will also be discussed, with multiple opportunities for questions and answers. The seminar with provide a vital opportunity for instruction from one of ireland’s leading historic timber experts.

PROGRAMME

10.00

Welcome & Introduction

10.05

Timber species, identification and properties

Q&A

11.00

Break

11.10

Structural decay, common defects, treatment and repair, floors/floorboards

Q&A

12.00

Break

12.10

Decorative joinery: panelling, windows/shutters, floor surfaces, doorcases, architraves, skirtings, handrails

Q&A

13:00

Close

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Sven Habermann is an accredited wooden object conservator and co-founded Conservation Letterfrack in 1999. As Manager, he develops and leads conservation and restoration projects that cover a wide range of artefacts and scale. Conservation Letterfrack mainly focuses on complex small-scale projects in historic buildings, museums and for the wider heritage community.

Sven developed his keen interest in historic wooden objects and interiors while training as a traditional cabinetmaker in Amsterdam. He has worked for several conservation workshops in the Netherlands and England, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in furniture conservation-restoration in West Dean College. For the last 20 years, his workshop has been involved in many challenging and significant conservation projects on the island of Ireland. The heart of the operation is based in a large custom-built studio in Letterfrack, Connemara. Conservation Letterfrack operates nationwide on sites focusing on all aspects of historic timber interiors.

Past projects have included the National Gallery of Ireland, Marsh’s Library, Russborough House and many Office of Public Works sites.

Sven Habermann, Conservation Letterfrack