In September 2024, Helensburgh CARS successfully recruited an apprentice who will work through training to achieve SVQ Level 2 horticulture at SCQF level 5 and any other training as required based within Hermitage Park.
Upcoming events
Join our workshops and be part of Helensburgh’s conservation
Calling all keen conservationists – this is your chance to learn about the skills needed to conserve the bronze and granite that make up some of the artwork found within Helensburgh’s award-winning Outdoor Museum, in Colquhoun Square.
Two workshops are planned on 29th and 30th June where members of the public, interested in this type of conservation, can watch experts at work, ask them about their skills and techniques and try out some of the work themselves.
It’s been over a decade since the museum was first established, some of the artworks and engravings have been worn down by the weather, and conservation work is needed to make them more visible, protect them, and support the museum’s continued development.
Two teams of highly skilled conservators have been drafted in to help; Graciela Ainsworth Sculpture Conservation and ZM Architecture.
On 29 June, from 10am – 1pm - the first session will focus on the beautiful bronze artwork in museum. The experts will take participants on a journey of how they of clean, treat, wax and polish the bronze to make sure it looks its best.
Local historian Stewart Noble will also give a short talk on Helensburgh, the square’s history and some of the heritage represented in the museum. As this is an outdoor session, please wear appropriate clothing for the weather and bring waterproofs and sunscreen. There are eight spaces available so please book early to avoid disappointment. Book online for 29th June session.
On 30 June, from 1-3.30pm - the second session focuses on the granite plinths which support the exhibits. These granite plinths need some conservation work to bring them back to life. Follow the experts as they clean and polish the granite to highlight the engravings once again and have a go yourself. Once again, Stuart Noble will lead a short history talk, and spaces can be booked through Eventbrite.
About the experts
Graciela Ainsworth Sculpture Conservation is an award-winning company in the field of conservation and restoration of public and privately-owned sculpture and statuary, museum artefacts, carved stonework and historic building fabric. With over 36 years’ experience and accredited by ICON, the company has an expert team of 9 trained conservators, artists and sculptors available for projects throughout the UK all of whom pride themselves in completing high quality conservation and restoration work.
ZM Architecture is an award-winning studio working across a range of creative sectors. The practice is recognised for excellence in conservation, sustainable retrofit, climate adaptation, refurbishment, and adaptive reuse. Its Conservation Team includes two RIAS-accredited Conservation Architects, one of whom is accredited at Advanced Level. With extensive experience in historic building repair throughout the west of Scotland, including its role as Framework Architect for the Helensburgh Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), the practice is leading the conservation work for the Helensburgh Outdoor Museum.
About the Outdoor Museum
The Outdoor Museum is an accessible museum that explores, celebrates and displays the rich and varied history of Helensburgh and the surrounding area. It displays often untold stories revealed by local people that both residents and visitors can enjoy at their leisure.
The museum has 129 granite plinths, and 17 of them hold artefacts and artwork with engraved text on the stone.
Past Events
Lime and Mortar taster days for schools
Helensburgh CARS in connection Historic Environment Scotland hosted “lime mortar taster days” for School pupils aged 16-18 in June 2024. Both days were well attended and the pupils enjoyed learning about lime mortar and putting their new skills into practice on the wall at Hermitage Park.
Participant comments
Banging
Enjoyable
Something different
Mint
Lime Mortar training course
The Lime Mortar Training course was held over two days in May 2024 and was in collaboration with The Scottish Lime Mortar Trust, Historic Environment Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council.
With many traditional skills in decline the aim of the course was to educate and promote the use of traditional materials to further the preservation of Scottish Buildings and to give home owners practical skills to repair their own buildings.
The course included classroom sessions on the uses/application and types of Lime mortar with a couple of mathematical equations thrown in and practical sessions in the application of lime to repair the Hermitage park Memorial wall.
Participant Comments
It is my intention to put the new skills and knowledge to use in my own home. The house was long-term empty (10 years) prior to us buying it, so it helps to bring another house back into the housing supply in Argyll & Bute. More courses like this would be beneficial for the area in this respect.
Thanks again, awesome, unforgettable. Very envious of your job.
I go on a lot of courses. This is the only course I have ever attended where everyone was highly enthusiastic and clearly enjoying every minute. No one was keen to leave. Credit to the organisers for this. I’ve gained a real appreciate for lime but also older buildings in general.
The skills I have gained are hopefully in looking at the bigger picture in restoration and conservation . Now I can’t un see the dreadful cement in many walls, the importance of checking the gutters first! And simply just to have a go; I’ve a wall that I will hopefully lime render in the near future. There is a definite need to preserve these traditional skills and If I were ten years younger I’d definitely consider a career in a traditional skill such as lime rendering!
