Rook Lane Blog

March 11, 2020

A stonemason’s story of the building of Britain: part archaeological history, part deeply personal insight into an ancient craft.

February 7, 2020

Join architect Cany Ash Sakula to find out how architects can learn from gaming to animate the future world.

January 10, 2020

“If Cork House were a book, it would be a manifesto or polemical tract that aimed to radically reframe the processes of architecture and construction through the prism of whole life sustainability, from design to demolition.”

Catherine Slessor, The Observer

November 6, 2019

Join architectural historian Elain Harwood for a fascinating look at twentieth century churches.

October 4, 2019

What is the civic impact of a major project on a city or town?
Should architects involve themselves in the political and civic life of where they live and work?
Join architect and former town councilor Colin Cobb for an exploration of the way that civic and public projects come about and how architects engage themselves with that process.

September 5, 2019

The LILAC housing scheme in Leeds is a co-housing community of 20 eco-build households. The homes and land are managed by residents through a Mutual Home Ownership Society, a pioneering financial model that ensures permanent affordability.
Join Architect Craig White for an exploration into alternative affordable housing.

May 28, 2019

Writer, Phyllida Shaw will share her research into the work of Alice Meredith Williams, which includes the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle and Casting The World Curator, Sue Bucklow, will shed some light on the little acknowledged life and work of Amy Singer , daughter of John Webb Singer, who shared a studio with Camille Claudel and was mentored by Rodin.

May 20, 2019

In collaboration with Casting the World project, Frome Society for Local Study welcomes Dr Madge Dresser, a visiting research fellow UWE and retired Associate Professor of Social and Cultural British History, University of Bristol. an illustrated talk revisiting our monumental heritage, which will include a focus on work produced in Frome by J W Singer and Sons. Statuary which is found in many parts of a now changed world.

May 15, 2019

Join landscape architect and urban designer, Sarah Jones-Morris for an exploration of our relationship with the natural world and find how putting bio-diversity at the heart of our urban environments is essential for our future survival. Sarah Jones-Morris is the director of Landsmith Associates based in Bristol. 

April 24, 2019

Join us for two acoustic sets, including singer-songwriter Phil Cooper, recently featured on BBC Radio 6 BBC Music Introducing show with Tom Robinson.
Sara Vian will be performing a 30-40min set at the exquisite Rook Lane

We’re also delighted to announce that local legend and the mind behind Glastonbury Festival, Michael Eavis, will be giving a talk and taking questions at WHYacoustic.
WHY receives no central government funding so relies on community fundraising and the generosity of individuals and grant-making trusts to survive.