Heritage Skills: Walks of Life Museum Project
Stepping back in time, joinery and bricklaying students of all levels are taking part in an ongoing heritage project at the Walks of Life Museum.
Through practical work in a historic setting, learners are developing practical skills while supporting the restoration of a historical building.
Each session strengthens confidence, craftsmanship, and career-ready skills, helping learning come to life beyond the classroom.
Walks of Life Museum
Established in 1998 by collector Dorothy Harrison, the Walks of Life Museum showcases handcarts, prams, invalid carriages, and rural artefacts that reflect life and work in Nottinghamshire. Volunteers continue her legacy by preserving exhibits and hosting displays highlighting local industrial and rural history.
Open to visitors on Thursdays and Saturdays, the museum supports education through workshops, tours, and ongoing conservation of its heritage buildings.
Bricklaying skills
Heritage pointing came to life as students mixed hot lime with sand and observed its reaction on pre-1919 brickwork. Conservation Officer Jason Mordan and volunteers guided them through plastering techniques and careful restoration methods.
Future sessions offer more learners the chance to practise these skills, gaining confidence while helping preserve a historic building.
Joinery skills
Sliding sash window refurbishment gave students hands-on experience in heritage joinery, repairing and reinstalling timber panels to match the building’s original style. Practical work helped them develop authentic restoration skills while contributing to a real project.
Upcoming sessions provide more students the opportunity to strengthen career readiness through similar hands-on activities.
Ongoing opportunities
Further sessions are planned throughout the year, enabling more learners to practise pointing, plastering, and window restoration on-site.
Each visit strengthens practical skills via, heritage knowledge, and career readiness while contributing to the preservation of local heritage.
Stay tuned for more updates, as we follow this project.
Find out more about Construction courses at North Notts College