The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank

The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank is an educational facility located at Willowbank mansion in Queenston, Ontario, Canada.

Primary areas of study

1. Research and documentation

*Understanding cultural heritage
*Properties through a variety of perspectives including historical, art historical, and archaeological research
*Local and community history
*Field investigation
*Condition assessment
*Measured drawings
*Photo recording
*Historic structure reportsStudents are taught the necessary skills including research methods, drafting and field techniques.

2. Conservation planning

Using research findings to identify important values and develop values-based strategies for conservation, including
*Preparing Statements of Significance
*Understanding commemorative and ecological integrity
*Evaluating possible categories of intervention
*Applying national and international conservation principles
*Drawing and presenting design alternatives
*Developing conservation and management plan documentsStudents are introduced to local, provincial and federal heritage legislation and emerging trends in conservation theory and practice.

3. Craftsmanship and project implementation

*Developing hands-on experience with a wide range of conservation skills and activities and the management of heritage projects.
*Attention is given to safety and code issues.
*The curriculum includes a consideration of
**historic gardens
**historic building types
**exterior and interior finishes
**Fittings and furnishings
**A variety of building materials such as stained glass and ironwork. There is a current emphasis in the following areas: carpentry, plaster and lath, masonry and blacksmithing.

Three part program structure

1. Classical education

At all levels, the emphasis is on best practices for the conservation of cultural heritage properties, drawing on local, national and international experiences and precedents.

2. Collaborative community

Students are trained in appropriate conservation practices while participating in projects on heritage properties.

3. Industry contact

As the student progresses through the Diploma Program, a greater proportion of time is spent on restoration projects undertaken by the school. At every level, opportunities for apprenticeship and employment, future client contacts andprojects are present, while students are exposed to the master work by professionals actively involved in heritage conservation.

Lectures

Lectures and workshops are held at Willowbank Estate in Reif Lecture Hall and The Bluma and Bram Appel Barn.

Main building

Willowbank, named after willow trees that were once located on its grounds, is an example of the rural estates of the wealthy settlers of early 19th century Upper Canada. The mansion was built between 1832 and 1834 for Alexander Hamilton, third son of the Honourable Robert Hamilton, one of the founders of Upper Canada. Constructed in the Greek Revival style of architecture then at its height in North America for such grand houses, Willowbank is an example of such buildings on the continent. Designed by architect, John Latshaw, and built of local Whirlpool sandstone, the building is characterised by the rare features of eight hand-carved columns running its full two-story height, and by a front doorway of Greek design.

Willowbank is well protected from inappropriate alteration to the exterior of the building and its landscape, by legislation. It is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. It is a designated National Historic Site further protectedby a heritage easement granted to The Ontario Heritage Trust.

Deterioration

The building is subject to continuous settling in the direction of the hill on which it is located, which is causing cracks in the exterior walls, which is putting the entire building at risk. An investigation is currently underway to seek remedies and as well as funding to fix the problem.

Due to the combustible interior, it would fall under Part 9 of the Ontario Building code. It has no fire sprinkler system and few passive fire protection measures. It is equipped with a burglary alarm and a fire alarm system.

External links

* [http://www.theschoolofrestorationarts.com/ The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank]
* [http://www.heritagefdn.on.ca/ Ontario Heritage Trust]
* [http://www.pc.gc.ca/clmhc-hsmbc/index_E.asp Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC)]