Through The Looking Glass: A Future For Historic Windows

Now SOLD OUT!!

If you wish to be added to a waiting list (for any cancellations) please email: stephen@beconservation.com

Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June, 2024 

The Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, GL7 6JS. 

Non-residential £295 

Residential £349 
(includes one night on 27th June in University student room)

Note: both packages include canteen supper and town walk on 27 June.

Bursary places available - see details at bottom of page.

Minimum 13 hours CPD

The push to insulate our homes due to the rising cost of energy, but also the challenge of climate change, is rightly pointing a spotlight on draughty single-glazed sash and casement windows.

This two-day conference and evening gathering, supported by SPAB and The Green Register, brings together experts in the history, repair and retrofit of historic windows, and the design and manufacture of new joinery. It will be of interest to anyone in the heritage sector who would like to join the debate and understand more.

Understanding the history and significance of windows
Clues for dating windows based on physical evidence
Historic glass and modern glazing systems
Specifying repair, and paint finishes
The science of heat loss and retrofitting existing windows
Justifying the case for replacement, and looking at the options

The event will feature a wide cross-section of presentations by 30 specialists from across the UK and Europe. 
A number of sponsors will also be exhibiting and demonstrating their services and products.

DAY ONE: 

SESSION 1: HISTORY OF THE WINDOW

WELCOME

From Windholes to Sashes – a brief history of the window - Dr Adam Menuge (University of Cambridge)

The Ingenious Sash Window and Its Impact – Dr Henti Louw

A material history of plain glass in Britain - Dr David Dungworth (Heritage Science Solutions)

BREAK

Modern mouth-blown glass production - Simon Ballagh (Saint-Just) & Christian Baierl (Lamberts Glass)

Historic window ironmongery - Charles Brooking

Defining significance and the decision tree - Tom Duxbury (The Tywi Centre), Laura Millbourn (Period Home Projects)

Questions - led by Abigail Lloyd

LUNCH

SESSION 2: WINDOW REPAIR

In-situ repairs - Joe Bispham

Window repair case study - Toby Slater (Slater Conservation Carpentry)

Surface preparation and redecoration - Laura Stevens

Linseed Oil Paints - Michiel Brouns (Brouns & Co)

Questions - led by Duncan Philips

BREAK

Conservation officer perspective – dealing with applications - Tanya Szendeffy (Lewes District & Eastbourne BC)

Historic England Guidance - Simon Ramsden (Head of Planning & Heritage Reform - Historic England)

Questions and discussion – led by Abigail Lloyd

END

SUPPER

EVENING - GUIDED TOWN WALK WITH FOCUS ON WINDOWS - CIRENCESTER - FOLLOWED BY DRINKS RECEPTION AT THE CORINIUM MUSEUM

DAY TWO: 

SESSION 3: RETROFITTING OLD WINDOWS

Recap on previous day and thinking outside the box – Robyn Pender (formerly Historic England)

Old Windows and the science of heat and moisture transfer – Bill Bordass (Useable Buildings )

In-situ testing - airtightness and thermal imaging - Paul Buckingham (Sustainable Lifestyles)

Tailoring solutions based on use - Marianne Suhr (Old House Consultancy)

Questions - led by Natasha Ginks (Renovate Green)

BREAK

Upgrading Sash & Case Windows - the Scottish perspective - Simon Montgomery (Historic Environment Scotland)

Upgrading old windows with replacement panes: the pros and cons - Nick Heath (NDM Heath Ltd)

Secondary glazing systems - showcase by manufacturers - Gareth Claase of Gecko Glazing, Tanya Ewing of Cocoon, Dan Raymond-Barker of Mitchell and Dickinson, Nic Irvine of Extraglaze, Mitchell Reece of Storm

Questions – led by Laura Millbourn (Period Home Projects)

LUNCH

SESSION 4: NEW WINDOWS IN OLD BUILDINGS

The world is more important than historic windows… can we have both ? - Chris Morgan (John Gilbert Architect)

Detailing new windows (timber selection, draft proofing, framed glazing bars and paint systems) - Nicola Harrison (Bereco)

Specifying glass for new windows (inc., slimline DG, Evacuated, standard DG with planted on glazing bars, triple
glazing, glazing beads v putty ) - Andrew Madge (Gowercroft)

Questions - led by Natasha Ginks (Renovate Green)

BREAK

The SPAB approach - A window on the future - Matthew Slocombe (SPAB)

Case Studies: including Robert Prewett (Prewett Bizley Architects)

Summing Up / Questions and discussion

END

Please note: the organisers reserve the right to change the programme.

BURSARY PLACES

We have a limited number of non-residential bursary places at £175. 

Eligible applicants are those who would not otherwise have the means to attend. If you would like to be considered for a bursary place, please email Marianne Suhr: marianne@oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk and include details of how attendance at the conference would assist in your work. Please also provide an overview of your financial circumstances. All applications will be treated in confidence.

General Refund and Cancellation Policy

We reserve the right, for any reason, to cancel the event at any time and a full refund will be provided.
If YOU need to cancel your booking, we will provide a full refund less an admin fee of £40, up to 31st May 2024.  From 1st June 2024 we will not be able to provide a refund.