About This Event
Join York Conservation Trust for a special evening celebrating 50 years of caring for York’s historic buildings and the people behind them. Featuring an inspiring talk by acclaimed stonemason and author Andrew Ziminski, live heritage craft demonstrations and award presentations,
People Not Walls
highlights the essential role traditional craft skills play in shaping the future of our city.
About the Talk
Old Stones, New Hands: a stonemason’s journey through craft, conservation and heritage
Andrew Ziminski has worked as a heritage stonemason for over 35 years. His acclaimed books, The Stonemason and Church Going, offer a mason’s-eye view of how Britain’s ancient buildings were made – and how they continue to connect generations of craftspeople across centuries.
The mason repairing a medieval wall today enters into a conversation with the one who first built it. This talk explores that relationship: between past and present, maker and conservator, decay and repair. It asks what it truly means to care for heritage in the 21st century.
Drawing on work across Britain – from Roman temples and Saxon crypts to Norman towers and medieval chancels – Andrew uncovers the stories embedded in stone, timber and stained glass.
Expect reflections on hands-on conservation, moments of discovery, and the enduring power of old buildings.
Event Details
Time:
6:30pm – 9:00pm
Tickets:
£20
Includes a complimentary glass of fizz and canapés on arrival
All proceeds support repairs and ongoing care of York Theatre Royal
This special anniversary event celebrates the people and skills at the heart of York Conservation Trust’s work. Alongside the talk, the evening will feature award presentations, a short film, and the opportunity to explore heritage craft demonstrations.
Performance: Tue 22 Sep at 6:30pm
Venue: Main House, York Theatre Royal
Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
Tickets: £20