Conservation events are taking place across the country for Heritage Open Days, providing the opportunity to meet professional conservators and explore the specialist skills and processes used to care for historic objects and collections.
SPOTLIGHT
St Barnabas CEP School
St Barnabas CEP School
The Physical Structure of the Building
St Barnabas CEP School, a Victorian primary school, first opened in June 1889. This Heritage Open Days, the School will open its doors and offering a chance to explore a historic educational building set in what was once the working-class centre of Tunbridge Wells.
Visitors will be able to explore the school on their own or join a guided tour. These tours will showcase original features and the physical structure of the building, along with a fascinating look at old school photographs and Headteachers' log books that date back to the school's opening.
Discover Conservation with the National Trust!
As part of the event, St Barnabas School will be hosting the National Trust's team of conservators from Scotney Castle. The team will lead engaging workshops and hands-on demonstrations, offering an interactive insight into how they care for the remarkable collections held by the National Trust.
Making Conservation Accessible
Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to learn how they can care for their own personal treasures. The workshops are designed to make conservation more accessible to everyone, and will include trial activities suitable for all ages.
One of the highlights will be the chance to bring a cherished object from home and receive friendly, expert advice from professional conservators on how best to care for it!
The team would love your ideas and feedback on how to make conservation more accessible and inspiring for everyone.
Whether you're passionate about history, art, craft, conservation, or sustainability, this is your chance to get involved, have a go, and meet the people behind the preservation work at the National Trust.
Come curious, leave inspired!
Event Information
Tours for this event will be taking place on Saturday 20 September 2025 between 10am - 3pm. Pre-booking is not required, so feel free to turn up and enjoy everything the day has to offer!
Click here to learn more about the event, travel information, and accessibility details.