Our next online conference is on 25 June at 15:00 CET on mill stone constructions
Many factors have influenced the design, construction and functioning of our traditional mills. One key factor, however, has been the availability of different kinds of stone suitable for grinding substances, whether spices, seeds to release oils or grains to produce flours or meals.
Our next conference focuses on the different types of millstones used to grind grains for flours and meals, their history, construction and approaches to maintenance (stone dressing).
Hendrik Jan Tolboom will speak about the history and culture of millstones.
Mildred Cookson will explore the history and use of French Burr Stones
James Waterfield will explain how French Burr Stones are dressed and maintained (the English Pattern).
Tonnie Moes will explain how Cullen Stones (Belgian Stones) are dressed and explore the dressing pattern commonly used in France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium and Germany. He will also discuss the use of composite millstones which are increasingly becoming commonplace as the now “extinct” French Burr Stone is no longer available to build new sets of millstones.
To join our conference, please email craftofthemiller@molens.nl.
The link to the conference will be published on this website one week ahead.
Program
- Hendrik Jan Tolboom about the history and cuture of mill stones.
- Mildred Cookson about the history and use of French Burr stones.
- James Waterfield about dressing and maintaining French Burr Stones
- Tonnie Moes about stonedressing.
Discussion
Speaker
Hendrik-Jan Tolboom, Stone specialist of the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency
Speaker
Mildred Cookson, miller and mill specialist.
Speaker
James Waterfield, miller and stone dresser
Speaker
Tonnie Moes, miller and stone dresser
Moderator
Nicole Bakker, director Dutch Mill Society
Who are we?
The craft of the miller is on the Representative List of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. To support the craft of the miller worldwide we aim to develop an international network of millers and mill societies. Therefore we bring together wind- and watermill parties from all over the world to share knowledge and skills.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to safeguard and promote the craft of the traditional miller – defined as “a miller who works with mills driven primarily by wind, water and animal power”.
Our Aims are:
- To safeguard the craft of the miller
- To share knowledge, experience and information amongst our community to promote best practice and the safe repair and operation of our mills
- To encourage all involved with mills to protect and respect the original fabric of mill buildings and machinery
- To promote the protection and repair of our global milling heritage, by helping others see a positive future for that heritage, returning mills, where appropriate, to production, keeping the mill working in its original function
- To create a network of millers and associated societies to deliver our Mission
Are you a miller or interested in safeguarding the craft of the miller, join the Craft of the Miller Network by sending us an email. Also, if you have aother questions, please send an e-mail to: craftofthemiller@molens.nl.
The international network on the craft of the miller is initiated by:
