ZDF Broadcast: 350 years of architectural history
“Restoration speaks about the state of the nation, and the fabric of Britain”
Late last year we welcomed two new apprentices as part of our new heritage craft apprenticeship programme. This was the first step as part of our broader plans for the Wren International Centre of Excellence (TWICE), a world-class training centre based at the Cathedral for the next generation of stonemasons and carpenters. We are establishing the centre to train a new passionate cohort of craftspeople who will help secure the future of crucial heritage craft skills, safeguarding historic buildings for future generations.
In February, ZDF (a German TV broadcaster) visited our workshops to see the stonemasons and carpenters in action and hear from mason apprentice Henry Stanley on his experience so far working and training at the Cathedral.
Almost six months into the programme, Henry is enjoying learning from the experienced masonry team and being trained in traditional techniques and skills.
“I’ve always loved history and art, I feel like it’s really important in this day and age that we go back to the original skills, which are so amazing!”
He’s also enjoying playing a role in the upkeep and restoration of our city’s magnificent Cathedral and says:
“It’s a great feeling to care for the building and to look after it.”
Our Works and Property teams make a hugely significant contribution to the building and will play an increasingly vital role in preserving heritage craft skills at the Cathedral. Looking to the future, we will transform TWICE into a world-class training hub, as part of a wider 15-year renovation plan.
Preserving these skills into the future will require making restoration work more widely known and ensuring there are high-quality training opportunities for those who are interested. The apprenticeship programme is an example of this and is the first step towards a unique, enjoyable, and fulfilling career in craft.
Craig Needs, Senior Projects Manager:
“That’s what we want to do, we want to keep making it fun for everyone.”
The preservation of famous landmarks both in London and around the country are at stake, and apprentices are set to play a huge role in ensuring these landmarks continue to shine.
Martin Gwilliams, Stonemason:
“Restoration speaks about the state of the nation and the fabric of Britain; these buildings are important for our image and identity. So, it’s really important to have people like us and the apprentices restoring that fabric.”
“Restoration speaks about the state of the nation and the fabric of Britain; these buildings are important for our image and identity. So, it’s really important to have people like us and the apprentices restoring that fabric.”