My Journey Through Willowbank School of Restoration Arts

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When I first stepped foot into the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts, I had no idea how profoundly it would shape my passion for heritage conservation. Now, looking back on my three years there, I can confidently say that the journey was as rewarding as it was challenging. Each year brought new lessons, skills, and experiences that pushed me further into the world of traditional craftsmanship and heritage conservation.

Year One: Foundations in Traditional Building

My first year at Willowbank was an immersive experience, akin to stepping back in time to learn the skills passed down through generations of builders and artisans. This foundational year was all about exploring the trades that are essential to heritage construction. I dove headfirst into masonry, blacksmithing, carpentry, and stained glass work, learning each craft hands-on in a workshop setting.

Lime Burn 2020

Masonry

In the first year at Willowbank, learning masonry meant gaining skills foundational to building with stone and brick. We started with lime burning, where limestone is heated to create lime, a key ingredient in traditional mortars used in heritage construction. Drystone walling was another essential practice, focusing on the precise stacking of stones without mortar to create structures that rely on balance and fit. We also worked on plastering, a finishing skill using lime or gypsum that preserves the breathability of old walls, along with brick laying and stone carving, adding unique structural and decorative details to our masonry toolkit.

Drystone Walling

Plastering: Students were taught the process of hanging accordion and machine cut lath and applying gypsum plaster.

Brick Laying: Students were taught to lay various types of bonds and a brick arch.

Stone Carving: Indian limestone fleur-de-lis copied from a fence pediment at Parliament.

Blacksmithing

In the blacksmithing course, we learned the basics of metalwork, including how to heat, hammer, and shape metal for tools, architectural details, and hardware. This essential trade is key for producing durable elements in building conservation, allowing us to create everything from simple nails to decorative pieces that enhance the character of historic structures.

Stained Glass

Stained glass introduced us to the delicate art of working with colored glass and traditional assembly techniques. We learned the copper foil method, where thin strips of copper are wrapped around each piece of glass and then soldered to create intricate patterns, as well as the leaded glass technique, which involves joining pieces with lead cames to form larger panels.

Carpentry

In carpentry, we practiced fundamental techniques that included box making, framing, and arch creation. Box making taught us precision in crafting functional and decorative wooden containers, while framing involved structural elements critical in constructing and restoring historic buildings. Creating the arch on the third floor arch, a staple of traditional design, taught us the fine balance of shaping and joining wood in ways that maintain structural integrity, whether for windows, doors, or decorative features.

Year One lays the groundwork, providing practical experience in each trade and preparing students for the more specialized projects that come in Year Two. This foundational training fosters a deep appreciation for the skill, patience, and history behind each craft, shaping a solid base for anyone dedicated to preserving heritage through craftsmanship.

Drafting and Report Writing

This year, we also emphasized drafting and report writing as essential skills for effective heritage conservation planning. We conducted thorough condition assessments of heritage buildings, which informed our understanding of their structural needs. Developing conservation plans required meticulous observation and documentation, and our drafting skills were crucial for clearly illustrating our findings and proposals. Learning to create detailed reports enhanced our ability to communicate insights and recommendations, preparing us to advocate for best practices in heritage preservation.

My last day of first year. (Spring 2021)

Year Two: Taking Our Skills

In my second year, we built upon the hands-on skills acquired in my foundational year while adding a new layer of understanding: the intersection of craftsmanship with broader conservation goals. This year shifted our focus from merely understanding how something is built to comprehending the principles and philosophies behind restoration. We learned to evaluate historic materials and techniques critically, using our foundational knowledge to inform our approach to restoring and preserving heritage items. This deeper understanding allowed us to appreciate not only the craftsmanship involved but also the cultural and historical significance of the structures we were working to protect.

Up on scaffolding for a site visit to the Church in Paris, ON.

Taking our skills to the next level

We took the trades further by incorporating advanced techniques, including finishes like gilding with silver and gold leaf, wood carving, and building timber frames using the joinery skills we had developed previously. This comprehensive approach not only enhanced our practical abilities but also reinforced the importance of craftsmanship in the broader context of heritage conservation. Through hands-on experience and collaborative projects, we learned to appreciate the artistry involved in restoration and the importance of preserving the stories behind each structure we worked on.

Wood carving and timber framing.

Instructor Lori Le Mare demonstrating silver and gold leaf gilding.

Floor refinishing with shellac in the Bright Parlour in the Willowbank Mansion.

Site Visits

Site visits were an essential part of Year Two, providing invaluable on-site experience and insight into what a heritage construction site looks like during various phases of conservation and restoration. These visits allowed us to witness firsthand the challenges and intricacies involved in preserving historic structures. Observing skilled tradespeople at work, we saw how each step, from initial assessment to careful restoration, plays a critical role in maintaining a building’s integrity and historical value. This experience was crucial in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, deepening our understanding of heritage conservation in action.

At the end of Year 2 my class did a restoration plan for the Ballroom in the JBH @ TBH, thus beginning my journey with TBH.

Year Three: Learning in the Field

The third and final year of my journey was a work term, and this is where everything came together. After two years of learning and honing my skills, I finally had the opportunity to apply them in the real world. I worked on live heritage projects, leading me to fully experience the complexities of managing and executing restoration work.

The Brown Homestead Internship

I began my internship at The Brown Homestead in April 2022, stepping into the role of Program Coordinator with a focus on heritage conservation and programming. This position allowed me to apply the skills and knowledge I’d gained at Willowbank in a real-world setting, working directly with a historic site. I was involved in various projects aimed at preserving the site’s heritage while also engaging the public through educational programs. My time there solidified my passion for conservation work and gave me invaluable experience in coordinating projects that honor both the historical integrity and community relevance of heritage sites.

This internship was my opportunity to take ownership of projects, coordinate with skilled tradespeople, and contribute meaningfully to the conservation of historic buildings. It wasn’t just about hands-on work anymore; it was about planning, problem-solving, and collaborating with a dedicated team. My third year at Willowbank gave me the confidence to step fully into the heritage conservation world, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience I’d gained throughout my time at the school.

Looking Ahead

My time at Willowbank taught me far more than just technical skills. It instilled in me a deep respect for heritage, a passion for traditional craftsmanship, and the importance of sustainability in conservation. I’m excited to continue my journey, applying what I’ve learned to future projects and sharing the knowledge with others who are as passionate about heritage as I am.

Whether you're restoring a centuries-old building or learning a trade like blacksmithing or carpentry, heritage conservation is about more than just preserving the past—it’s about connecting people with history in a meaningful, sustainable way. I’m grateful for my three years at Willowbank and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!