Episodes

  • [HBP #6] Phillip Gaches - Insights From The Master Plasterer of Historic Buildings
    Feb 3 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts and any other of your favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to the latest episode of the Heritage Buildings podcast, hosted by Vincent Reed. In this episode, Vincent interviews Philip Gaches, a master plasterer renowned for his expertise in traditional plasterwork and conservation.


    Philip shares his journey, from joining his family's business to leading Geishies Traditional Plasterers since 1987. Learn about his work on iconic UK landmarks like Royal Palaces and the Houses of Parliament, as well as his international projects in Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Transylvania.


    Through engaging anecdotes, Philip explains the traditional plastering techniques, the importance of conservation, and the evolution of the trade. He also discusses his efforts to train the next generation of plasterers and the future of traditional plastering.


    This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about heritage building restoration.


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    Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps


    Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section


    00:00 Introduction to the Heritage Buildings Podcast

    01:25 Philip Geishies' Early Life and Apprenticeship

    02:35 Joining the Family Business

    05:27 Challenges and Learning in the Early Years

    05:49 Daily Routine and Work Ethic

    07:44 Generational Differences in Work Culture

    14:54 Transition to Traditional Plaster Work

    26:01 Understanding Traditional Plaster Work

    28:22 Historical Techniques and Materials

    34:55 The Evolution of Plastering Methods

    52:42 Discovering Historical Artifacts

    54:14 Hidden Treasures in Architecture

    57:16 Challenges of Modern Restoration

    01:01:51 Traditional Techniques and Materials

    01:14:17 International Restoration Projects

    01:25:40 Future of Traditional Trades

    01:41:31 Resources and Recommendations


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    Connect with Philip Gaches using the links below:


    Website: www.gachesplastering.co.uk


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-gaches-291b4a89/


    Instagram:

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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • [HBP #5] Mark Cooper - What 40 Years of Restoring Fine Furniture Taught Me
    Jan 20 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify. Amazon, PocketCasts and any other of your favourite podcasting apps!

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    In this fascinating episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast, host Vincent Reed invites his mentor and friend, Mark Cooper, a traditionally trained conservator and restorer of antique furniture. The episode opens with Vincent recalling his serendipitous start in the antique business as an apprentice in Brighton's Michael Norman Antiques, setting the stage for the deep dive into Mark's storied career.


    Mark shares memorable anecdotes from their early days in the trade, discusses the nuances of restoring period furniture, and explains the myriad skills needed for a successful career in this fading craft. He highlights the intricacies of his work, whether it's replicating a Chippendale chair or stabilising a precious walnut bureau. The conversation also touches upon broader issues facing the industry, such as the lack of apprentice opportunities and the importance of maintaining traditional methods in the face of modern challenges.


    The episode is a treasure trove of insights into the world of antique furniture restoration, blending personal stories with professional expertise, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in heritage crafts.


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    Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps


    Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section



    00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

    01:52 Introducing Mark Cooper

    03:22 Mark Cooper's Early Career

    09:25 The Art of Antique Furniture Restoration

    12:16 Challenges in Modern Restoration

    17:14 Restoration Techniques and Philosophy

    20:26 Hypothetical Restoration Project

    49:56 Making a Chippendale Chair

    54:52 The Art of Carving and Mahogany Quality

    57:18 Challenges and Mistakes in Furniture Making

    58:33 The Process of Carving and Craftsmanship

    01:02:08 The Decline of Traditional Workshops

    01:05:13 Memories of Ship Street Workshop

    01:17:10 The Journey to America and Sotheby's

    01:31:49 Reflections on Craftsmanship and the Future

    01:38:20 The Importance of Continuous Learning

    01:44:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell


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    Connect with Mark Cooper using the links below:


    Website: www.cooperandcompanyantiques.com


    Instagram:

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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • HBP #4 Nigel Copsey - Hot Mixed Lime and Traditional Mortars
    Jan 6 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify. Amazon, PocketCasts and any other of your favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reid sits down with Nigel Copsey, a seasoned stonemason and accredited conservator restorer specialising in historic buildings.


    Nigel delves into his journey from a dry stone waller to a renowned advocate for hot mix lime and traditional lime mortars. The discussion covers the importance of using like-for-like materials in conservation, the differences between lime and cement mortars, and the damaging effects of incorrect mortar use on historic buildings.


    Nigel shares his extensive knowledge and experience, detailing the evolution of lime mortar use and the pressing need for sustainable building practices.


    Tune in for an enlightening conversation on preserving our architectural heritage with the right materials and techniques.


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    Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps


    Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section


    00:00 Introduction to the Heritage Buildings Podcast

    00:51 Nigel Copsey's Journey into Conservation

    06:37 The Significance of Lime in Building Conservation

    09:44 Differences Between Lime and Cement Mortars

    19:01 Historical Use and Misuse of Mortars

    36:54 Impact of Incorrect Mortar Use on Buildings

    50:47 Understanding Salt Damage in Stone

    52:48 Case Study: Church Restoration in Redditch

    53:23 The Importance of Capillarity in Lime Mortars

    56:56 Historical Insights on Lime Mortar Usage

    59:30 Modern Misconceptions and Correct Practices

    01:17:01 The Future of Lime in Construction

    01:20:15 Global Adoption and Training in Lime Techniques

    01:25:29 Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Lime

    01:33:25 Conclusion and Further Resources


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    Connect with Nigel Copsey using the links below:


    Website: www.hotmixedmortars.com


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-copsey-59745045/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nigel.copsey.7


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    Click here to find out more about the Heritage Buildings Association - https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com


    Click here to join the conversation - https://heritagebuildings.forum


    👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community!


    #Mortar #conservation #stonemason

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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • [HBP #3] Tim Floyd - Building Materials Scientist & Damp Specialist
    Dec 23 2024

    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings podcast.

    Understanding Timber Decay with Tim Floyd: Insights from an Expert Architectural Materials Scientist

    In this episode, Vincent welcomes Mr. Tim Floyd, a distinguished architectural materials scientist and chartered surveyor specialising in timber decay.


    They discuss Tim's journey into the heritage field, notable projects, and his philosophy on managing timber decay through environmental control rather than aggressive chemical treatments.


    Tim shares insights on identifying timber decay, common fungi and wood-boring insects in period properties, and the importance of maintaining ecological balances within buildings.


    The episode also delves into modern challenges in the field and offers advice to both professionals and homeowners on preserving the integrity of wooden structures.


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    Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    01:12 Tim Floyd's Background and Career Journey

    04:19 Understanding Timber Decay

    16:53 Daily Routine of a Timber Decay Specialist

    28:31 Interesting Projects and Case Studies

    35:53 Exploring Timber Composites

    36:00 Common Causes of Timber Decay

    39:01 Impact of Modern Materials on Timber

    39:53 Understanding Timber Quality and Biodeterioration

    48:08 Fungi in Period Properties

    52:28 Wood Boring Insects

    01:00:51 Challenges and Advice for Timber Preservation

    01:07:46 Conclusion and Resources


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    Connect with Tim Floyd using the links below:


    Website: https://floydconsulting.co.uk


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    Click here to find out more about the Heritage Buildings Association - https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com


    Click here to join the conversation - https://heritagebuildings.forum

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • [HBP #2] Ed Morton - Structural Engineer To Westminster Abbey
    Dec 9 2024

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify. Amazon, PocketCasts and any other of your favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings podcast.

    Join host Vincent Reed as he converses with Ed Morton, a conservation accredited engineer and managing director of the Morton Partnership, who has over 30 years of experience in conserving, repairing, and adapting historic buildings.

    Ed has served as the appointed engineer to iconic UK cathedrals including Westminster Abbey and York Minster.

    They discuss Ed's inspiration to specialize in structural engineering, the principles and challenges of conservation engineering, and the intricacies of working with historic buildings.

    The episode dives into Ed’s projects, innovative solutions, and the importance of understanding the heritage of structures.

    They also explore the future of conservation, the importance of education, and Ed's influential role in shaping the field.

    Tune in for an insightful discussion about preserving the past while ensuring structural integrity.

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    Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps


    00:00 Introduction to the Heritage Buildings Podcast

    00:55 Ed Morton's Early Inspirations

    03:26 Understanding Structural Engineering

    04:23 Principles of Conservation Engineering

    05:19 Detective Work in Conservation

    11:19 Challenges in Conservation Projects

    16:42 Assessing Structural Integrity

    21:56 Balancing Modern Use with Historic Integrity

    26:28 Collaborating with Other Professionals

    27:33 The Importance of Involving Skilled Workers Early

    29:14 Navigating Client Expectations and Project Planning

    31:52 Insights into Westminster Abbey's Maintenance

    34:54 Challenges and Rewards in Heritage Conservation

    45:20 The Future of Heritage Conservation

    50:08 Mentorship and Resources for Aspiring Conservationists

    52:29 Conclusion and Contact Information


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    Connect with Ed Morton using the links below:

    Website: https://www.themortonpartnership.co.uk

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TMPengineers

    Twitter: https://x.com/TMPengineers


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    Click here to find out more about the Heritage Buildings Association - https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    Click here to join the conversation -

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    54 mins
  • [HBP #1] Michiel Brouns - Linseed Paint Expert
    Nov 28 2024

    Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Michiel Brouns, a renowned expert in linseed paint and author of 'Linseed Paint & Oil—A Practical Guide to Traditional Production and Application'

    Michiel shares his vast knowledge of linseed paint, exploring its history, production, and application in heritage building conservation


    Learn about the differences between modern and traditional paints, the importance of proper application techniques, and how linseed paint helps preserve historic structures like Woburn Abbey, Chatsworth House, and Windsor Castle


    Topics covered include:



    • The history and benefits of linseed paint

    • Key differences between modern and traditional linseed paints

    • The process of producing linseed paint and its unique properties

    • Expert advice on applying and maintaining linseed paint

    • Challenges posed by climate change, including mould outbreaks

    • Memorable projects and Michiel's recommendations for learning more



    Whether you're a heritage professional, period property owner, or just curious about traditional building techniques, this episode is packed with valuable insights

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    1 hr and 47 mins