PROGRAM „ROOFS OF EUROPE II” Międzynarodowe warsztaty, Republika Czeska, 20-23 kwietnia 2009 r.

On 20-23 April 2009, the locality of Tocnik (40 kms from Prague, the Czech Republic) played host to workshops held as part of the ”Roofs of Europe II” programme, attended by representatives of Belgium, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland. The prime theme of the workshops was widely comprehended research and documentation connected with historical roof constructions and coverings. For years, our colleagues from the Czech Republic have been promoting traditional artisan methods for repairing wooden constructions and have tried to popularise their knowledge. The best proof is the conservation of numerous historical buildings, where damaged places have been repaired by using traditional methods; other evidence are numerous professional publications, training and studies. Extremely interesting experiences included making a working replica of a mediaeval treadmill crane upon the basis of historical sources (including illustrations from the Wenceslas Bible from 1390-1400), used for, i.a. repairing a roof over part of the mediaeval castle in Tocnik. In the course of a study trip the workshop participants enjoyed an opportunity to examine the crane’s practical application.