Heritage open weekends
This report was written in the run up to HOW '99, but gives a good idea of what the event is all about.
'An opportunity for visitors to see & to try the traditional building crafts & skills that created Brighton & Hove's magnificent architecture.'
What's it all about?
Huge marquees
erected on the lawns of Brunswick Square provide the perfect setting
for Heritage Open Weekend which last year attracted over 12,000
visitors, making it our most popular outreach event by far. Now
in its fourth year, the event has become a showcase for dozens of
the most talented 
craftspeople
in the country and an opportunity for visitors to roll up their
sleeves and try the traditional techniques for themselves. As well
as numerous demonstrations and exhibitions there will be other,
less serious attractions, for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
The event doesn't just focus on techniques of the past, it also promotes the use of traditional materials in the hands of skilled craftspeople as being the most sympathetic and often long lasting means to restore and maintain older buildings today.
What is there to do?
In addition to the usual favourites such as brick making and hammering away at the forge, visitors can try 'bodging' on a pole lathe, carving stone blocks, trimming slates or have a go at plaster moulding. Or perhaps something more decorative would appeal? Like spinning yarn or weaving on a hand-loom, flocking traditional wallpaper patterns, casting lead decorations, pottery, decorative painting, gilding, calligraphy or one of the many other activities.
A
provisional list of traditional crafts includes:
- brick making & stone carving
- traditional paving techniques
- wood turning on pole lathes
- forging nails, brackets and latches
- decorative painting & gilding
- use of lime mortars and renders
- building bungaroush walls
- lime-slaking & tuck pointing
- architectural cast iron ware
- slate roofing
- lead casting
- letter-carving on slate and stone
- spinning yarn and weaving fabrics
- wallpaper making & conservation
- steam-stripping plaster mouldings
What is there to see?
Brighton and Hove Council will join forces with local amenity societies to present an exhibition of urban re-generation projects; offering visitors the opportunity to discuss conservation and planning issues that affect their neighbourhood. Other organisations exhibiting at Heritage Open Weekend will include County Records Offices, Sussex Archaeological and Industrial Archaeological Societies, and the Sussex Curator's Group, representing museums around the county. We will also be welcoming the Brooking Collection of Architectural Detail and English Heritage, who's staff will be explaining the work of this organisation.
Fun too!
Heritage
Open Weekend is not just about the serious side of conservation,
it's also fun and entertaining for visitors of all ages. There are
traditional games, including skittles, a coconut shy and a lucky
dip, as well as brightly painted swing boats and a cork shooting
gallery. As before, the Shoreham Scouts will be using their pioneering
poles to construct all manner of interesting contraptions, while
their canteen will be serving 'camp fire' food and soft drinks.
There will also be a traditional spit-roast and, most importantly,
a beer tent, purveying pints of the essential ales and ciders.
When
and where?
Heritage Open Weekend '99 will open from 11.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September. It will be held in marquees erected on the lawns of Brunswick Square, Hove, East Sussex.
Refreshments and toilets are available on site, wheelchair access is good and admission is free. Note: dogs are, unfortunately, not permitted.
Talk to us
We are always looking for ways to improve Heritage Open Weekend and would be delighted to hear from people willing to demonstrate an appropriate craft or skill, mount an interesting exhibition or, perhaps, who can bring an unusual 'attraction' to the event, preferably one with a traditional or architectural theme...
Further Information
For further information, contact Phil Blume or Nick Tyson at:
The Regency
Town House, 13 Brunswick Square, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1EH
Phone/Fax: 01273 206306 E-mail: info@regency-town-house.org.uk
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Heritage Open Weekend is organised by staff and volunteers from The Regency Town House and receives core funding from Brighton & Hove Council and East Susex County Council. The event is presented as a part of the nation-wide Heritage Open Days initiative, co-ordinated in England by the Civic Trust. For an up-to-date listing of events around the country, see their Web Site: www.civictrust.org.uk |
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