Over the past month, I’ve proudly introduced myself as “the intern at The Charterhouse”. Doing an internship is part of my undergraduate degree at the University of Gothenburg, where I study preservation of historical buildings and environments. Besides the opportunity to experience living in London, it’s been fantastic to be able to do my internship at The Charterhouse!

The influences from England on Gothenburg’s architecture are due to the extensive trade relations between the two throughout history. It has been fascinating to explore where this heritage comes from. For example, when I’m walking past buildings with red and yellow brickwork in London, I’ve thought of one of my professors back in Sweden. He often refers to such houses as “egg and bacon architecture”, referencing the classic English breakfast with egg (yellow brick) and bacon (red brick). In addition to encountering authentic English “egg and bacon” houses, my internship has also allowed me to visit renowned English buildings such as the Guildhall and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

At The Charterhouse, I’ve been given a desk in the office to work from and have been able to get to know various aspects of the organisation by spending time with staff members in different departments. I’ve discussed conservation strategies with Aimée Felton, Director of Estates and Conservation, and talked about how to manage facades made of centuries-old brick that were repaired with damaging concrete mortar during the 20th century. In conversations with Justin Dennis, Head of Gardens and Landscapes, topics like climate change arose. For instance, the challenges of cultivating a garden that can withstand both future extreme rainfall and higher temperatures. Through other conversations I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the caregiving and financial aspects of running an almshouse. In this way, I’ve acquired a broad view of what it means to manage an institution with a long tradition at a historic site today, and the challenges and opportunities that come with it.

During my time at The Charterhouse, I’ve learned about its unique history through guided tours and books, and about the present by spending time at the dining table with the Brothers (residents) who live here. I’ve also had the chance to assist with the management of the Charterhouse’s collections, such as helping to catalogue the oil paintings and relocating photographs to a secure location while parts of the site were being used for a film production.

I’ve gained an insight into the Charterhouse’s partnerships with other institutions, and went to Oxford to meet with the coordinator for the internship program run in collaboration with Oxford University. I have also gained an overview of the historic building sector at local, national, and international levels. For example, I participated in meetings where the Charterhouse collaborates with other local organisations such as Barts Heritage, the London Museum and St. Bartholomew’s the Great on cooperative projects.

The internship has provided me with a broader and more international perspective on the historic building sector, with the Charterhouse being a great example of an active and forward-looking institution at a historic site.  Now i’m back in Gothenburg, I will think not only of my professor but also of all the people I’ve met through  my internship at the Charterhouse whenever I pass by the “egg and bacon” houses on my way to the University.

Tova Henningsson