Windmill Conservation Projects

Millwrights

Traditionally, a millwright was a craftsman with engineering skills who maintained windmills to ensure their efficiency to commercially mill. Repairs would be completed without necessarily considering the impact on original material such as the structural fabric or milling machinery. Work was completed without thinking about tradition, conservation or ethics. The repair works were necessary for the efficient running of the business.

This is one of the most significant differences between traditional and modern millwrights.

In contemporary work, millwrighting takes place in a heritage environment where works need to consider the complexities of listed buildings and mixed-materiel collections.

Materials used needs to be chosen dependent on the environment, conservation aspects and historic accuracy rather than what might be quickest or most cost effective.

Preservation

As long as windmills continue to be preserved and operated then millwrighting in some capacity will survive. However this is not guaranteed. With so few learning and employment opportunities the future of millwrighting as a transferable heritage skill is at serious risk of disappearing.

Millwrighting is a niche craft and will remain on the fringes of heritage craft skills. It is somewhat isolated due to its nature –This is not a negative, it simply illustrates the unique skills and knowledge that is required. There is concern that if new training opportunities are not furthered then the craft could disappear.

Education and outreach must be the two pillars in preserving and teaching millwrighting as a craft. Ideally, an initiative to support this training would be backed by cultural heritage organisations. Other craft skills are also endangered and a resurgence in interest and training is more invaluable now than ever before. Training and employment incentives are also necessary to ensure that the skills taught are practiced and passed on further.