A talented Perth craftsman has been working on the restoration of some of the UK’s most treasured buildings as part of a training programme with a royal link.
Martin Clarke, 19, from the city’s North Muirton area, has earned work placements in Cardiff and York while studying on The Prince’s Foundation’s Building Craft programme, where he has worked with expert craftspeople at Dumfries House in Ayrshire.
The former North Muirton Primary and Perth Grammar pupil was thrilled to undertake work on conservation projects across the UK while working for a Cardiff glazier, an architectural joinery business in York, and an Edinburgh timber-framing company.
Martin said the work has made him keen to work for himself.
“I’d like to set up my own business after getting a couple of years under my belt,” he said.
“At least I know I have the skills to carry forward in the heritage sector. You have to use your knowledge, rather than just becoming a fitter.
“I’d rather use my head to fix something rather than phoning up a company and asking them to form a plastic mould.”
He continued: “Making something with my own hands is what appeals to me. With a couple of years of practise and honing the skills, I feel like I could take on most jobs.”
Martin was part of a working group that completed a pergola in The Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden at Dumfries House. It will be used as a shelter by some of the 140,000 people who visit the estate each year.
“I loved every minute of the programme at Dumfries House and the work was really fun,” Martin added.
“I’m not a designer but am very picky when it comes to what I think looks good, but everything was very much a group decision. The whole thing came out really well.”
Students attended Dumfries House for a Live Build project, working alongside construction professionals to gain first-hand experience on site. They then moved on to placements with master craftspeople.
Simon Sadinsky, deputy executive director (education) of The Prince’s Foundation at Dumfries House, commented: “This course is designed for craftspeople like Martin who are looking to bridge the gap between basic qualifications and becoming a master craftsperson working in the heritage sector.”
