Through the Looking Glass: A Future for Historic Windows

Due to unforeseen events, this conference has been postponed. 

It will now take place on

27 and 28 June, 2024 at The Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester. 

Bookings will open shortly.

Previous programme below is for guidance at present

Bursary places available - see details at bottom of page.

Minimum 13 hours CPD

The push to insulate our homes due to rising cost of energy, but also the challenge of climate change, is rightly pointing a spotlight on draughty sashes and casements.

This two-day conference and evening gathering, supported by SPAB, 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 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

09:00 WELCOME

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

The Ingenius Sash Window and Its Impact – Dr Henti Louw

History of Plain Glass in Britain - Leoni Seliger (The Cathedral Studios)

11:00 BREAK

Modern blown glass production - Simon Ballagh (Saint-Just)

The Brooking Collection – with focus on ironmongery - Charles Brooking

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

Questions - led by Abigail Lloyd

13:15 LUNCH

SESSION 2: WINDOW REPAIR

In-situ repairs: joints, glues and timber selection - Callum McCaffrey (Owlsworth)

Window repair case study - Toby Slater

Preparing surfaces and redecorating - TBC

Questions - led by Duncan Philips

16:20 BREAK

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

Historic England Guidance - TBC

Questions and discussion – led by Abigail Lloyd

18:30 END

19:15 DINNER

After dinner speaker - Charles Brooking

20:45 END

DAY TWO: 

SESSION 3: RETROFITTING OLD WINDOWS

08:30 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 testing and Thermal imaging - Paul Buckingham (Sustainable Lifestyles)

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

Questions - led by Natasha Ginks (Renovate Green)

10:40 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)

Glass secondary glazing systems (sliding and magnetic) - Mitchell Reece (Storm Windows)

Secondary glazing with glass alternatives - Mitchell & Dickinson

Questions – led by Laura Millbourn (Period Home Projects)

13:15 LUNCH

SESSION 4: NEW WINDOWS IN OLD BUILDINGS

The world is more important than historic windows… can we save 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 (including slimline, evacuated, standard double glazing, triple glazing, glazing beads v putty) - Tony Dee (Grosvenor Restoration Ltd)

Questions - led by Natasha Ginks (Renovate Green)

15:40 BREAK

The SPAB approach - Matthew Slocombe (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings)

Case Study: putting back replicas with secondary glazing - Robert Prewett (Prewett Bizley Architects)

Case Study: Faking it – making an eco version of the original – Paul Mallion (Conker Conservation)

Summing Up / Questions and discussion

17:30 END

Please note: Speakers are still being confirmed. The organisers reserve the right to change the programme.

BURSARY PLACES

We have a limited number of bursary places for two days at £110. This is for day attendance only and includes lunch, refreshments and presentations on both days, but excludes evening meal, after dinner speaker and accommodation on Friday 22nd September, and breakfast on Saturday 23rd September. 

Eligible applicants include students, conservation volunteers and low income individuals who would not otherwise have the means to attend. We would welcome applications from craftspeople who are actively involved in conservation. 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.