The Architectural Conservation Traineeship in Hyderabad was a hugely positive learning experience for all involved.
… first overseas project under the Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme…
Commonwealth Heritage Forum writes:
….The Traineeship was coordinated with the World Monuments Fund and was the first overseas project under the Commonwealth Heritage Skills Training Programme.
The teaching delivered by GN Heritage Matters was excellent and gave the Trainees a sound theoretical grasp of the work being carried out on the Former Residency, and how this approach fits within the broader context of conservation management practices in India. This was paired with practical teaching, so Trainees were able to apply classroom learning directly to a live conservation project.
Tangible progress was made by the UK and Indian Trainees alongside skilled craftsmen and architects on the South Porch, and on the Lansdowne Gate, in particular. Trainees learned to slake lime which they then used to re-plaster the Porch. On the Gate Trainees were able
to participate in the constriction of the jack arch roof. This was a great practical learning experience and contributed towards the works programme on site.
The teaching programme was supplemented with visits to heritage sites across Hyderabad, from grand palaces to funerary monuments. All site visits were conducted by experts in the heritage sector, giving Trainees the opportunity to better understand contemporary conservation practices in India. This learning experience was generously supported by the Hamish Ogston Foundation.
[Carmen Bowes reported]
Now that I am back to my everyday reality, I have had the ability to reflect on the experience I had whilst in Hyderabad. From the foods tried, friends made and skills learnt, the Traineeship was a phenomenal opportunity. The hustle and bustle of Hyderabad was far from what I have been used to back in the Herefordshire and the constant hum and honking of autos and interesting displays of colour in both local modern architecture and advertisements heightened the tranquil environment of the Former British Residency where we spent the majority of our time. The Residency has been restored by an incredibly passionate team and to great result. It was an honour to be able to get to spend an extended amount of time in such an asset which benefits its users, students at Osmania University College for Women.
When not at the Residency, we were out exploring Hyderabad. The site visits were a real treat and really gave us the opportunity to understand the traditional built heritage and crafts of the Deccan as well as trace the steps of Mughals and Nizams through their mosques, tombs and palaces. The architectural forms and styles, aside from the Classical influences, were completely new to me and understanding the construction forms and decorative features highlighted to me by experts at each site was invaluable. I have already begun further research on these sites from the much cooler climes of the UK, and I have so much more to read and see!
It was great to not only get hands on and have a go with new techniques and materials as part of the Traineeship, but also be able to talk through conservation philosophy and reasoning behind decision making on-site. Talking through with practitioners was one of the real highlights of my experience.
“Understanding how climate, politics, people, economics, as well as health and safety, come into play across India, in comparison to in the UK, has been eye-opening and has made me reflect on best practice and question why we do what we do and how we do it. I always believed in working with craftspeople and local materials before, but even more so now. The experience has reinforced how important it is for ‘prescribers’ of conservation to get dirty, be hands-on with buildings and collaborate with every member of the project team”.
I am already planning on building model replicas of some of the construction details I witnessed and worked on within my workshop, to see how they can be transferred to the structures I work with, and our weather. Some of the mortar mixes and additives used were completely different to what I would look to work with and I look forward to exploring their applications here too. The practical and theoretical knowledge gained on this trip will be transferable to my work for many years to come and will also give me the confidence to collaborate with others and pass on my knowledge. I already have a few lectures lined up to talk through what I learnt!
Before the trip, I had no idea what to expect. Luckily, our group gelled very quickly and also got on amazingly with the other local students and tutors. No matter the situation, we could have a laugh. The different restaurants we went to while off-schedule were also great from traditional restaurants to glitzy modern venues in Hitec City. I already miss not having my daily masala chai and regular feeds of Hyderabadi Biryani! I would really recommend the course for providing such a unique and immersive opportunity to experience conservation but also develop great camaraderie.
