Anne Lister was a 19th century diarist and landowner from Halifax, Yorkshire. Considered the "first modern lesbian", Anne's diaries were, in part, written in a secret code that she used to write about her romantic relationships with other women. In this online lecture, West Yorkshire Archive Service conservators will talk about the conservation work undertaken to preserve Anne's diaries and prepare them for digitisation and access as source material for the TV drama Gentleman Jack, based on Anne's life. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Lavender Menace, an Edinburgh archive of queer books and community space. 

Learn the skills to help you carry out your own mortar pointing repairs. Would you like to undertake repointing works as part of a renovation project or simply as general maintenance to traditional masonry structures? This practical 'hands on' training day will give participants the skill to undertake repointing works with confidence. This course will provide a sound understanding of traditional building technology, repair techniques and the materials to use when carrying out repointing. Attendees are encouraged to bring along images of their projects to discuss with the SLCT tutor on the day. This course is aimed at those who own or are responsible for a traditional building. Also suitable for those responsible for maintenance works to traditional buildings or a renovation and conservation project.

This course will teach you how to carry out a successful surface stone repair with an understanding of the materials and when and where it may be appropriate. In many cases, simple surface repairs can be less intrusive and a suitable alternative to replacing masonry units with new stone. You will be amazed at the results you will be able to achieve after only two days! This course is designed to ensure successful surface repairs to flat work, angles, corners and moulded details. The decay mechanisms of stone will be discussed and we will consider the factors to that should be taken into account when deciding if a surface repair is a suitable alternative to replacement with new stone. This course is aimed at those working within the construction industry who have had practical building experience and trowel skills.