Lee Bilson

Please describe yourself and your areas of interest.

Typically going by Bil, I am an experienced Building Historian and Conservation Specialist based in Shropshire. A fellow of The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC) in 2023 and the Linnean Society of London - I am dedicated to fostering learning and development in the heritage field and the importance of craftsmanship, through my work as a freelance lecturer and writer, alongside my work with Recclesia. More broadly, I am also engaged in the encouragement of the study of biology and natural history, and charitable work as an active Trustee of The Arvon Foundation. I believe my many hats, as it were, align perfectly with the work and aims of the guild. My academic work centres on craftsmanship within the context of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and its broader implications for conservation and cultural practices. Through my diverse material specialisms and multifaceted contributions, I always aim to deepen the understanding of heritage preservation and highlight the importance of skilled craftsmanship in maintaining cultural legacies being a regular tutor and lecturer at institutions such as The King’s Foundation and The University of Manchester.

Why did you become a Companion of the Guild?

Ruskin’s work has been a touchstone for much of my thinking on the role of craftsmanship in both individual development and social responsibility, with many of his works being my first exposure to this appreciation, forming the critical foundations I have then used to build my understanding and research on. For me the Guild of St George represents a community of individuals dedicated to the practical application a more ethical and aesthetically informed society. The idea of Companionship, as I understand it, is not simply a recognition of these shared values, but a commitment to actively engage in creating positive change and championing these ideals wherever we can.

Web links: www.recclesia.com, www.leerobertbilson.co.uk