THE Benefact Trust has awarded a grant of £2.1 million for a latest training programme to learn traditional heritage skills, to be run at the side of the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship (CWF).
Heritage leaders, cathedral representatives, and the primary cohort of 16 scholars attended the launch event at Lichfield Cathedral last week.
The programme, which can support 36 apprentices across UK cathedrals over the following 4 years, was described as “critical” for the cathedrals’ future by the CWF’s executive director Michael Sheppard. “Without urgent and strategic investment in skills and education, we face a serious crisis in our ability to look after these nationally significant buildings,” he said.
The Benefact Trust said that the programme goals to “safeguard the long run of heritage conservation by equipping scholars with hands-on experience and qualifications in crafts equivalent to stonemasonry”.
The Trust’s director, Helen Gray, said that the grant was not only a “recording-breaking” figure, but in addition the longest. “It stands as a transparent demonstration of our commitment to nurturing the following generation of heritage professionals,” she said.
The funding is directly paid to the CWF, which will likely be spread over the 4 years. Reporting and monitoring of the funds will likely be undertaken.
The programme will begin in September with its inaugural group. Students will gain practical experience, be mentored by conservators, and acquire accredited qualifications. Each scholar is supported to the identical level.
Mr Sheppard said: “Trades like stonemasonry, joinery, plasterwork, and leadwork — once passed down through generations — have gotten increasingly rare. And yet, the necessity for these skills has never been greater.”
The participants are the cathedrals of Canterbury, Chester, Durham, Exeter, Gloucester, Lincoln, Lichfield, Salisbury, St Paul’s, Winchester, Worcester, and Wells, in addition to York Minster and Westminster Abbey.
The chief operating officer of Worcester Cathedral, Matthew Hall, said: “Without programmes like this, these traditional skills may turn into obsolete, putting our beautiful cathedrals in danger. We are happy with our team of stonemasons here in Worcester and are committed to training the following generation to guard and maintain our glorious cathedral for all to enjoy.”
