This popular short course has been presented by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings since the 1950s. Run over five days, this course delivers an intensive programme of lectures and visits to building repair projects. It runs twice a year - in the spring and the autumn.

Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the Repair Course considers British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings. The SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance - established by William Morris in 1877 - underpins the course programme of case studies, presentations and site visits.

Who is it For? The course welcomes students and professionals interested in deepening their understanding of old buildings, and who may be interested in developing work in this area.

Past delegates on this course have included:
- Architects;
- Architectural Technologists;
- Builders;
- Building Surveyors;
- Buildings Archaeologists;
- Conservation Officers and Planners;
- Craftsmen and women;
- Project Officers and Managers;
- Structural Engineers and others.

Not sure if the course is suitable for you? Contact us at education@spab.org.uk, 020 7377 1644 and we will be happy to give you a steer.

What will be Covered? The Repair Course offers a five day programme of lectures and site visits. The course delivers three days (Monday, Tuesday and Friday) of presentations by practicing building conservation professionals and SPAB staff. The first day focuses on approach, with lectures on conservation philosophy, legislation, traditional construction methods and materials, structural appraisals, and lime. Day two starts with a talk on dealing with damp and then moves onto look at practical repairs to different materials in more depth , including brickwork and stonework, timber, metalwork, and roofs. The final day of the course looks at the finishing touches; inserting and maintaining services, windows and glass, plasterwork and other surface finishes. Speakers draw on their own practical experience and use case studies to illustrate their points.

From churches to stately homes and historical gems, two days of the course (Wednesday and Thursday) are dedicated to visiting buildings under repair in London and further afield. Previous visits have included the Tower of London, Bletchley Park, Ely Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Winchester Cathedral and Wilton's Music Hall. These visits are a key part of the course, allowing delegates to see how the principles discussed in the lectures are applied, or not, in the real world.

Importantly, the course provides an opportunity to meet like-minded professionals to share information and experiences with. There is plenty of time for questions and discussion as part of the programme.

Accommodation and meals are not included within the course fee. Refreshments will be available during lecture days and lunch will be provided on site visit days. 

For a sample of the course programme, download the PROGRAMME OVERVIEW from the May 2022 Repair Course. 

Assessment - There is no formal assessment for this course; delegates will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion.

The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the RIBA for Career Learning.

Required Equipment - Steel toe capped boots for site visits

Accessibility - Please contact us before booking a place to discuss any special access requirements: education@spab.org.uk, 020 7377 1644

Repair Course Bursary - The SPAB has a small fund to allow it to award bursaries to individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford a place on the Repair Course.