We are thrilled to announce that Mike Dennis will be speaking at our Traditional and Sustainable Buildings Fair on the 11th May. Mike will talk about his fascinating career with particular reference to the restoration of Notre Dame de Paris.
Notre Dame de Paris is perhaps the worksite of the century. Ever since the devastating fire in 2019, it was doubted whether the vast carpentry of the 13th Century roof could ever be reconstructed. During this talk, Mike will evaluate how ancient knowledge was rediscovered and investigate what lessons we can learn for the future of timber construction.
Mike's journey into carpentry and restoration began with the help of a National Lottery Heritage Skills bursary. Mike undertook an old-fashioned apprenticeship around 15 years ago near Brecon under the mentorship of Alan Ritchie. His carpentry journey has taken him around the world, having worked on projects such as the Kinsol Trestle bridge on Vancouver Island; a heritage centre with Carpenter’s Without Borders in Guizhou, China; and notably the Nave of Notre Dame de Paris as carpenter and experimental archaeologist. Mike holds an MSc in Timber Building Conservation and an MA in Historic Buildings with the University of York. Currently working on a reconstruction of La Mora (William the Conqueror’s boat of 1066), Mike is also a student on the NVQ3 Heritage Stone Masonry course at the Tywi Centre.
To book your free ticket to our Sustainable and Traditional Buildings Fair click here
