This intensive one-week course will introduce participants to the conservation of historic masonry, addressing both the analysis of existing situations and the design and implementation of appropriate interventions. The topics will include a review of the use and properties of stone, brick, terra cotta, mortars, plasters, and cast stone; types of assembly; forms of deterioration; site inspection, analysis and testing; structural concerns; cleaning; repointing; repair; and replacement. There will be site work and class participation, using the facilities of the Willowbank National Historic Site estate.

The instructors for the course are Keith Blades of Almonte, and John Silburn of Brockville. Keith is know nationally and internationally as Canadas leading masonry conservation consultant, and has worked extensively on Parliament Hill and other nationally-significant sites. He has also taught at major preservation centres both in Canada and abroad. He combines an intimate understanding of both theory and practice in the field. John Silburn is a restoration engineer who has teamed with Keith and other conservation experts to conserve significant masonry structures throughout the eastern Ontario region and further afield. He has recently been site supervisor for the restoration of the Red House, the Parliamentary complex in Trinidad.

An evening reception will be hosted at Willowbank on Thursday, July 14, 7-9 pm. Coffee breaks and lunch will be provided for the duration of the course. Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions.