Hellooo I'm Holly :)
I'm starting this account to document my sketchbook and record all the cool buildings (mostly old pubs) I visit.
Having finished my little red sketchbook at the end of 2025, I have the new years resolution to sketch more and develop my drawing style
#finelinesketch #architecturalillustration #sketchbook
An incredible couple of days at Westminster Abbey! ⛪
We were lucky enough to stand on the Lady Chapel roof overlooking Parliament for the state opening, all whilst looking at some repairs to the lead roofing and gutter details!
Really interesting discussions over the construction of the Lady Chapel vaulting, only 80mm thick in some places - with a peep hole too 👀
Being on the scaffold in the nave was surreal, thankfully none of us are scared of heights!
We also had the opportunity to walk on the 1268 cosmati paving and view the delicate repairs - socks only!
There is so much to see at Westminster Abbey, I will definitely be going back to keep sketching
#spab #westminsterabbey
Start of the week in the Scottish Highlands with David Narro talking is through some of his projects
Particularly enjoyed Drumin Castle and figuring out how they got the steel in!
We also visited the Highland Folk Museum to understand more about timber frame construction and thatching
Really enjoyed staying in the Cairngorms 🏔️
#spab #highlands #thatching #bridge
Steve operating the Wheel Lathe at Bowes Railway 🚂
Great opportunity today for us to enjoy some industrial heritage for a change! What an incredible site, so much history and beauty, and some incredible workshop spaces
Massive thank you to Steve for a wonderful day - strongly recommend a visit!!
#spab #spabscholarship #bowesrailway #gateshead #herritagerailway
Beautiful first day in Newcastle ☀️
We got to explore the cathedral roof and ongoing repairs, followed by a visit to Dunstan Staithes discussing the super structure and the works required. Finally we visited Tyne Bridge and were treated to a stunning view of the city 🌉
#spab #newcastle
Had a great week at the magical CAT in Wales 🌱
Highlight has to be tending the lime kiln (even at 2am!) with the lovely Hugh - it has been amazing to be part of the whole process. From cleaning the kiln to burning the lime, then slaking, making our own mix with the kiln ash, and finally having a go at some plastering 💪🏻 what a great week!
Thank you to @centreforalternativetechnology for making us feel so welcome!
#spab #spabscholarship #limekiln
It was an honour to tour York Minster today. So great to see the stonemasons and carvers in action in the workshop!
The Chapter House roof was a particular highlight!
Scroll for the goodest grotesque 🐶
@spab1877
#buildingconservation
Mapledurham watermill today with the lovely Mildred & Paul - thank you for showing us round and teaching us how the watermill works! Long live the mills
#spab #watermill #finelinesketch
Very proud of my stone - had to sign it with my makers mark 🐈⬛
Another great hands on day at Owlsworth learning about lime and wattle & daub in the sun ☀️
#spab
Wood carving and dendrochronology today in the sun ☀️ really enjoyed getting hands on today!
Thanks @owlsworth_conservation - looking forward to the week ahead!
#spab
Started today up Farringdon Folly admiring the views across Oxfordshire 🌲
Then to Tewkesbury Abbey investigating the stone repairs
Final stop St Mary's in Purton to conduct a condition survey of the medieval preaching cross ⛪
Now heading home after an amazing first 2 weeks of the @spab1877 scholarship ❤️
#spab #conservation
