From film sets to frozen frontiers, conservation carpenter Jo Oliver brings craft, care and creativity to Port Lockroy.

As the most significant phase of conservation work at Port Lockroy since 1996 gets underway, conservation carpenter Jo Oliver has followed an unusually creative path to one of the most remote heritage sites on Earth. 

With a background spanning sculpture, film and TV set building, and decades of hands-on work with historic structures, he brings both artistry and practical skill to his role with UKAHT at Port Lockroy this season. 

We caught up with Jo for a quick-fire chat about his varied career, his passion for preserving the past, and what it means to carry those skills to Antarctica.

Please tell me a bit about your background. 

I’m a multi-skilled maker with a background in sculpture and construction. I studied sculpture at two art colleges, and after graduating, I worked for a number of artists, helping to make their pieces. That led me into film and TV set building, and I’ve stayed pretty varied ever since – I do joinery, building work, sculpture, furniture making, all sorts really.

For around 10 years, I was a partner in a small company in London that created themed environments for film premieres – so after the red carpet, guests would head to these incredible themed parties. One of the biggest was the Star Wars: Episode I premiere, where we built a massive themed bar and set near Tower Bridge. It was amazing work – long hours, but great fun.

I also worked for Sir Anthony Caro, one of Britain’s best-known sculptors, building a lot of his wooden pieces, including work for a chapel project in France.

Overall, I’ve always kept my work varied – it keeps things interesting, and I love switching between art, construction, and design projects.

What led you to be at Port Lockroy with UKAHT in 2025-26? 

My wife actually came across the advert for Port Lockroy and sent it to me. As soon as I read the job ad, I thought, “That’s perfect for me. It combines everything I love – practical, hands-on work, teamwork, and being in a really unique environment.”

I first applied for the 2024–25 season but didn’t get in – Jim beat me to it that year! I nearly didn’t reapply, but Ruth encouraged me to send my CV in again, so I did, and I’m delighted I did. It just felt like an opportunity that perfectly matched my skills and outlook.

How does heritage carpentry differ from your previous work?

Honestly, heritage carpentry isn’t that different from what I already do. A lot of my core work is on old houses – we live in an area full of rambling, slightly falling-down Georgian Grade-II listed buildings, so I’m used to working with historic properties.

Because of my art background, I’ve always been very aware of other people’s craftsmanship and the importance of not just replacing things unnecessarily. It’s about respecting what’s there – the materials, the methods, and the history – and working sensitively to preserve and add to it rather than overwrite it.

Our own house is about 250 years old and still has its original windows, and I love that. You look at that work and think, they really knew what they were doing. So for me, heritage carpentry is very much an extension of what I already value – respect, care, and appreciation for traditional skills and longevity.  

What are the biggest challenges you expect to encounter working in Antarctica?

The biggest challenge will be repairing existing structures without compromising their character. Many of the buildings are relatively simple, but accessing what needs repair often requires substantial work, sometimes even stripping walls back to their core. The key is finding a balance between carrying out major repairs and preserving the place’s unique character and history.

What were you most looking forward to?

I was looking forward to the moment of stepping off the Zodiac onto the Antarctic shore. You can see pictures and videos, but actually being there in person was truly breathtaking – an unforgettable experience.

What do you expect to be your must-have tool while working in Antarctica?  

My brain. I take pride in my problem-solving skills and staying calm when challenges arise. I see problems as opportunities to think creatively and find solutions, and I’ve often been the person others turn to when they need a practical, hands-on approach to getting things done.

And finally, what do you think makes this job so special?   

This job is one-of-a-kind. I’ve always been fascinated by Antarctica, and the chance to do heritage carpentry there felt like all the boxes were ticked – a truly rare and exciting opportunity.

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