Willowbank announces appointment of Keith Blades and Jim Mountain as Co-Deans of Faculty at the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Keith Blades and Jim Mountain as Co-Deans of Faculty at the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts. Combined, they bring the knowledge and experience of a lifetime’s career in heritage conservation, nationally and internationally. Individually, each brings connections from their extensive networks in the heritage conservation industry, academia, and public service — individuals who may also advise on curriculum and industry trends to support Willowbank’s ongoing curriculum development.

Keith Blades

Jim Mountain

With a spirit of collaboration and renewal, Keith and Jim expressed their vision for Willowbank’s future:  

“We very much look forward to working with Willowbank’s Board, staff, faculty associates, and alumni to renew and re-energise the School’s exemplary program in heritage conservation. We will bring our knowledge, experience, and professional  network connections to this position to provide every student with the most engaging, comprehensive and positive learning experience possible during their time at Willowbank.”

Keith and Jim will also reactivate the Curriculum Review Committee, building on years of thoughtful work and drawing on the valuable insights and recommendations its members have developed over time. More to follow on this as Keith and Jim settle into the role.

Short bios:

Keith Blades

Since 1987, Keith has had extensive experience in teaching conservation and developing curriculum content to meet Ministry standards for federal, provincial conservation programs, (FHBRO and LACACs) and at the university (University of Victoria, Bournemouth University UK) and college levels. Since 2010 Keith has been a Faculty Associate at Willowbank for the Heritage Masonry Conservation courses.

Jim Mountain

Since 1985, Jim has been an instructor and course content contributor to a number of professional training programs developed by the Heritage Canada Foundation/National Trust for Canada. Since 1998, Jim has taught and contributed to curriculum planning at Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism, the Conservation and Sustainability stream of courses. Since 2018, Jim has been a Faculty Associate at Willowbank, instructing students on approaches to Engaging Communities and Stakeholders in Heritage Conservation

We are very excited to begin working with Keith and Jim, who, together with staff, board, students, alumni, faculty and the community, will help secure a vibrant future for this truly remarkable place of learning.