Traditional wooden window restoration skills learned at a hands-on workshop in Alsunga

On Sunday, 9 August, a wooden window restoration workshop took place outside the Alsunga Culture Centre as part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” programme. Under the guidance of experts from the Kuldīga Restoration Centre, participants learned about traditional materials and practical methods for preserving and restoring historic wooden windows.

Participants had the opportunity not only to observe the restoration process but also to gain hands-on experience. Under the guidance of the experts, they learned how to remove old putty, gently strip paint from window frames and reglaze windows using linseed oil putty. Participants could also bring their own wooden window sash and receive professional advice on its restoration.

During the event, experts from the Kuldīga Restoration Centre shared their knowledge of historic building maintenance, answered participants’ questions and explained why restoring historic wooden windows is often a more sustainable and culturally appropriate choice than replacing them. The suitability of modern materials, including PVC windows, for historic buildings was also discussed.

The workshop demonstrated that traditional materials, careful restoration methods and expert knowledge can give old wooden windows a new lease of life while preserving the authenticity of historic buildings and local craftsmanship traditions.

The wooden window restoration workshop took place alongside Suiti Crafts Day 2026, where visitors could experience Suiti singing and dancing, the playing of various musical instruments, traditional food preparation, handicrafts and other skills passed down through generations. Bringing the two events together highlighted the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

The workshop was organised by the Association “Kultūras projektu koordinācijas centrs” in cooperation with the Kuldīga Tourism Development Centre and the association “Suiti Cultural Heritage”.

The workshop is organized within the framework of GENIUS LOCI programme and with financial support from the foundation “Nodibinājums Liepāja 2027.” The programme of “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027” is implemented by the Liepāja 2027 Foundation, with funding allocated by the City of Liepāja, the South Kurzeme and Kuldīga municipalities, and the Ministry of Culture. The “Liepāja 2027” programme is supported by its main partner in environmental education and sustainability, AS “CleanR Grupa”, Jsc; its main partner in air mobility and international communications, AS “airBaltic Corporation”, legal partner: Sorainen Law Office, Ltd., Jsc; and its land mobility partner, SIA “Lux Express Latvia”, Ltd. Media partners: VSIA “Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs”, Ltd. and AS “Kurzemes Radio”, Jsc.