What does it take to protect historic buildings in a world that’s constantly changing? In this compelling talk, Alan Gardner reflects on key moments from his 30-year career in conservation, including the dramatic 2003 incident when an axe-wielding man damaged Waltham Abbey, and the professional stand-offs where he defended vulnerable buildings against premature demolition. Alan has also worked on the Hebden Bridge Picture House after the floods and the extension of the Hebden Bridge Town Hall.

Tickets are now available for Three Decades with Historic Buildings and all information can be found on Ticketsource.

In this compelling talk, Alan Gardner reflects on key moments from his 30-year career in conservation, from the dramatic 2003 incident when an axe-wielding man attacked Waltham Abbey to the professional stand-offs where he fought to save vulnerable buildings from premature demolition. His work has helped rescue landmarks such as All Souls Church in Bolton and Tonge Hall in Middleton.

Alan also has close ties to Hebden Bridge, offering voluntary help and advice to the Picture House after the devastating floods, whilst also dealing with a potential ceiling collapse. Alan is a Trustee of the Town Hall, assisting to ensure the character of the historic building is protected for future generations.

Looking ahead, Alan will explore how historic environments can be sensitively adapted to meet the challenges of climate change, without losing their architectural and cultural significance. For example, the 900-year-old Heron Corn Mill in South Cumbria is now a community hub and still used as a working mill powered by renewable energy. Blending striking visuals with conservation philosophy, practical insight, and a deep respect for the past, this promises to be an engaging journey through the dilemmas, drama, and beauty of heritage repair.

About the speaker:

Alan Gardner is Head of Climate Adaptation for Buildings at Historic England. A Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS), Accredited in Building Conservation and a SPAB Lethaby Scholar, he has worked on a wide range of historic sites across the country. Several of his projects have won awards, including the RICS National Award for Building Conservation.

Alan has previously worked with the National Trust, English Heritage, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), and Arcadis, where he led the Heritage Asset Consultancy team. He also ran his own conservation practice for over a decade in the North of England. At Historic England, Alan leads a team advising particularly on technical matters in relation to Climate Change Adaptation as well as responding to Government consultations on EPC’s, MEES, etc. He also delivers training and advocacy across the sector.