The Vernacular Architecture Group

The Vernacular Architecture Group was formed in 1952 to further the study of traditional buildings, originally those of the British Isles. In recent years, its membership and publications have also reflected a growing interest in buildings from other parts of the world.

Members are involved in all aspects of the recording and study of vernacular buildings including:

Detailed local or regional surveys
Studies of particular types of buildings including houses, farms, industrial and urban buildings
Building materials
Techniques of building, including carpentry and masonry
Documentary evidence

The Group encourages communication between members in a number of ways:

A four day conference held each spring in a different region
A two-day winter conference with papers on one topic
A joint weekend school with Oxford University's Department for Continuing Education
Publication of a journal
A twice-yearly newsletter with notices of events and new publications
A library of offprints for circulation to members

The Group is keen to encourage authors, especially those who have not yet had the opportunity to publish in a national journal. A prize is offered annually to the best essay on a subject related to vernacular architecture. The winning entry may be published in Vernacular Architecture, the major journal in the field. For full details go to the Essay Prize page.

Website updated: June 2008