Accessing the Archive – Saving Tim Stead’s Sculpture

A unique behind-the-scenes day of discovery, conservation, and collective action. 📅 12th August 2025🕘 10:00am – 4:00pm

The Steading, Blainslie, Scottish Borders, TD1 2PR🎟 £10 (includes lunch, refreshments & a Tim Stead Offcut Keyring)

🚗 Free parking onsite at The Steading only | 🚌 Travel costs can be reimbursed by the Trust

Join the Tim Stead Trust for a rare opportunity to get hands-on with the remarkable sculptural legacy of Tim Stead MBE. Accessing the Archive – Saving Tim Stead’s Sculpture invites participants to take part in the crucial process of rescuing and recording over 200 significant works from Stead’s sculpture archive, many of which have been stored away and unseen for over a decade.

These pieces – now at risk from woodworm and environmental deterioration – represent a vital chapter in Stead’s life as a sculptor and his broader contribution to Scottish art, craft, and ecology. Your presence and participation will support both the physical conservation of the collection and the wider public understanding of Stead’s artistic vision.

What to Expect

Throughout the day, you’ll:

Explore the archive as we open crates and uncover long-hidden sculptures
Learn conservation techniques, including cleaning, treating and safe handling of wooden artworks
Document and wrap sculptures for improved long-term storage
Discover more about Tim Stead’s practice, his innovative use of native hardwoods, and the significance of his sculptural work
Enjoy a communal lunch with fellow participants and Trust team members
Hear from the Trust about ongoing efforts to preserve the archive and the urgent need for wider support

This event is open to anyone aged 16+, and no previous experience in art handling or conservation is required. Whether you're a student, artist, woodworker, or simply someone who cares about Scotland’s cultural heritage, you are welcome.

About Tim Stead and the Steading

Tim Stead (1952–2000) was a visionary sculptor, furniture maker and environmentalist. He is best known for his transformative work at the Scottish Parliament, the Papal Chair for Pope John Paul II’s 1982 visit, and the Poet’s Chair at Glen Esk. But at the heart of his practice was a deep respect for timber as a living material – full of imperfection, history, and spirit.

Today, his former home and workshop – The Steading near Lauder – remains a living archive of his life and work. The Trust is currently working to stabilise and conserve this site, along with the remarkable contents of Stead’s sculpture archive, which remains largely unknown to the public.

Why It Matters

Tim Stead’s sculptures are not just wooden forms – they are cultural time capsules, each carrying the touch of his hand and the weight of his thinking. But these irreplaceable works are at risk. With your help, we can buy time for the collection as we fundraise to repair The Steading and generate awareness, and take the first steps in protecting this extraordinary legacy.

Come and be part of this unfolding story. Let’s bring the archive back to life – together.