Our MA scholar shares experiences from her Master’s in Conservation of the Built Environment
Through this short article, Atarah Adams, our 2022-2023 MA scholar, shares her experiences from her Master’s in Conservation of the Built Environment at Birmingham City University. You may find more information on our MA scholarship and apply by following this link.
SAHGB’s 2022-2023 MA scholar, Atarah Adams, practicing lime plastering with Simon Ayres.
© Atarah Adams
One of the main drivers in applying for the Scholarship was that I really wanted to learn more about architectural history and steer my career in a meaningful direction that would allow me to take an active role in key decision-making and advice around the conservation of the historic environment. I consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to learn from the valued expertise of professionals within the field and I am so grateful to the SAHGB for the opportunity to pursue this passion, to join the SAHGB community, and to meet other Scholars to discuss ideas as part of planning the Symposium.
The Master’s course at Birmingham City University provides a whistle-stop tour of all things conservation. It is fast-paced and covers a breadth of subject matter that address the expertise and challenges found across the industry, attracting a broad range of professionals, such as architects, planning and heritage consultants, conservation officers, archaeologists, contractors and more. The first term helped to set the context of the profession, with lectures and workshops on all aspects of the historic environment, in addition to conservation ethics, philosophy, and legislation. So far I have done assignments including a Conservation Management Plan for a property in Newark-on-Trent owned by Newark & Sherwood District Council, an essay on the conservation involved in rebuilding a listed wall in Melton Mowbray (specifically regarding the lime mortar specifications), and an essay on the stone, it's provenance and methods of decay and repair for Babington Hospital (former Belper Union Workhouse).
Photographs from Atarah’s workshop experiences. On the left, different Types of NHLs and hot mixed lime demonstration by Tim Ratcliffe, conservation architect, in a relevant workshop at the Llanymynech Limeworks Heritage Area. On the right, a ceramics workshop at the Jackfield Tile Museum. Exploring applications, issues and repairs of tiles, terracotta, and faience, there was an opportunity to learn the tube lining technique of tile decoration. The workshop also involved lectures and practical sessions on bricklaying, delivered by Terrence Lee, utilising the traditional brickwork, tools, techniques and site practices.
© Atarah Adams
Culminating with a Conservation Management Plan assignment, this gave me real-world experience in industry-standard documentation. There is no comparison to getting stuck in and learning by doing, especially in a vocation that has such a close connection to the tactility of craftmanship. Exploring historic building materials by studying their provenance, methods of decay and best practice for remedial measures, the workshops involve site visits, practical sessions and lectures from specialist experts.
Lime mortar sample analysis by Atarah. © Atarah Adams
Steel workshop at the Black Country Museum. Lectures from professionals demonstrated case studies of conserving and repairing different types of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and the practical sessions allowed the students to try making both nails and S-hooks. © Atarah Adams
Atarah’s case studies. On the left, Woodchester Mansion, and on the right, Babington Hospital (former Belper Union Workhouse). © Atarah Adams
As my first year of the course draws to an end, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to learn from the valued expertise of professionals and specialists and I am indebted to the SAHGB for the opportunity to pursue this passion. I encourage anyone thinking about applying for the MA Scholarship to do so, there is so much to learn in this field!”