Expanding Horizons in Heritage Conservation: An Interview with MacGregor Stilley at Lincoln Cathedral

For the second placement this summer of 2024, MacGregor Stilley, a student from the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, participated in an international exchange programme, gaining invaluable experience at Lincoln Cathedral. Hosted by the cathedral's skilled team, MacGregor’s placement provided him with hands-on experience in heritage conservation and restoration, enriching his practical skills and deepening his understanding of the field. In an interview with Michael Sheppard, Executive Director of the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship (CWF), MacGregor shared insights from his time at Lincoln.

Expanding Knowledge in Heritage Conservation and Restoration

MacGregor’s experience at Lincoln Cathedral significantly bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in heritage conservation. Reflecting on his time there, he remarked:

"My time at the cathedral has been incredibly impactful in broadening my practical skills and understanding of heritage conservation and restoration. Back home, I lacked hands-on experience in preservation and restoration, relying mainly on theoretical knowledge from school. Being here has allowed me to work directly on mortar repairs and other critical tasks, which are essential yet often overlooked aspects of maintaining historical buildings. This practical exposure, especially under the guidance of the cathedral's skilled team, has deepened my appreciation for the meticulous work involved in preserving architectural heritage. It's not as glamorous as carving, but it's crucial work that I now feel prepared to contribute to in the future, both here and back home."

This placement has not only enriched MacGregor’s technical skills but also provided him with a newfound appreciation for the intricate work that goes into conserving and restoring historical buildings. The experience has equipped him with the confidence and expertise needed to contribute meaningfully to heritage projects both in the UK and the US.

Inspiring Moments and Lasting Impressions

While much of the work at Lincoln Cathedral involved detailed and careful craftsmanship, MacGregor found moments of inspiration throughout his placement. He shared some of these experiences:

"While the day-to-day work isn't necessarily glamorous, there have been moments that have deeply inspired me. One memorable experience was when I had the opportunity to explore the cathedral extensively, from its hidden tunnels and staircases to the breathtaking views from the roof. Seeing the historic stonework up close and realising the scale and complexity of the cathedral's architecture was truly awe-inspiring. Another highlight was ascending the scaffolding around the chapter house, where I got an incredible view of the entire cathedral complex. These moments have given me a profound perspective on the significance of the work we're doing here—preserving not just a building, but a vital piece of history and cultural heritage."

These experiences reinforced the importance of the conservation work being carried out at Lincoln Cathedral and left a lasting impression on MacGregor, inspiring him to continue pursuing a career in heritage conservation with renewed passion.

Learning from Master Craftspeople

One of the key benefits of MacGregor’s placement at Lincoln Cathedral was the opportunity to learn directly from highly skilled and experienced craftspeople. He reflected on this valuable aspect of his experience:

"Working alongside the skilled team at Lincoln Cathedral has been incredibly enlightening for me. They are exceptionally proficient in everything they do, whether it's precision stone carving or meticulous mortar pointing. Seeing their expertise firsthand has been both inspiring and educational. For instance, observing the speed and accuracy while carving was eye-opening for me, as it highlighted the level of mastery I aspire to achieve one day. Their dedication to their craft and the quality of their workmanship motivate me to continually improve and strive for excellence in my own skills. This experience at Lincoln Cathedral has truly deepened my appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship required in heritage conservation and restoration."

Learning from such accomplished professionals has not only improved MacGregor’s practical skills but has also given him a deeper respect for the craft and the level of dedication required to excel in this field.

Applying Lessons to Future Endeavours

As MacGregor looks ahead to his future career, he plans to integrate the lessons and experiences gained during his time at Lincoln Cathedral into his studies and professional work. He explained:

"The experiences I've gained at Lincoln Cathedral, particularly in mortar pointing and working alongside skilled craftspeople, have been invaluable. Coming from a programme focused more on stone carving, this placement has provided me with crucial hands-on experience in masonry, which is fundamental to heritage conservation. Improving my skills in mortar pointing, for instance, has been particularly enlightening. It's a skill that's essential back home in Charleston, where historic brick buildings abound. Understanding the intricacies of preservation and restoration firsthand has deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship involved and has definitely influenced my career aspirations. I aim to integrate these skills into my future studies and professional endeavours, striving to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of historic structures wherever I go."

MacGregor’s time at Lincoln Cathedral has not only enhanced his practical skills but also shaped his career aspirations, solidifying his commitment to heritage conservation and the preservation of historic structures.

The Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship (CWF) extends its heartfelt thanks to Lincoln Cathedral for their support and guidance during MacGregor Stilley’s placement. This experience has not only benefited MacGregor but has also strengthened the collaborative efforts between the CWF and the American College of the Building Arts. As we continue to nurture these exchanges, we look forward to further opportunities to share knowledge, skills, and a passion for preserving our shared cultural heritage.