York Minster Center of Excellence for Heritage: Craft Skills and Estate Management

York Minster in the North of England is around 800 years old and is the largest medieval gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. In 2018 York Minster embarked on a research and development project benchmarking its stone and glass processes against other heritage sites. New techniques and technologies in conservation, restoration, engineering and construction have been investigated. The talk will give an understanding of York Minster’s journey. It will talk about its aim towards using cutting-edge technologies for heritage conservation, restoration, etc. and to help create opportunities for education and knowledge exchange on a local, national and international level by acting as an example of best practice in managing and preserving complex heritage sites. Laura Cotter will recount York Minster’s journey to date and Lee Godfrey will share his experience working at York Minster, right from being a mason to becoming the lead conservator.

This lecture will be held physically at Jnanapravaha Mumbai Institute only.

Date: April 21, 2023
Time: Tea: 6:00 PM | Lecture: 6:30 PM
Location: Jnanapravaha Mumbai Institute 

About the Speakers

Laura Cotter

Research and Partnerships Manager, York Minster Centre of Excellence in Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management

Laura joined the York Minster Centre of Excellence in Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management in 2018 and at present works as a Research and Partnerships Manager. Laura is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. She began her career at JCB, working in various engineering and commercial roles. Her role at the Minster involves identifying best practice in heritage skills, investigating new technologies to enhance the skill base and increase the volume of conservation that can be undertaken.

Lee Godfrey

Senior Mason, York Minster Centre of Excellence in Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management

Lee joined York Minster as an Apprentice Mason Carver in 1989. He moved into conservation beginning with lime work. Lee progressed into a Senior Mason role in 2006 and began training other masons. Since 2018 Lee has supported the research and development project to investigate how new techniques and technologies could be applied to stone masonry. Lee is currently being trained in CAD and CNC machine inputting in preparation for the York Minster Centre of Excellence opening in 2024.