C O N T E X T 1 0 9 : M A Y 2 0 0 9 5 Periodically… Sir Bernard Fielden, patron of the Journal of Architectural Conservation died last November at the age of 89.This robbed the conservation movement of one of its most influential post-war figures. His achievements not only in the UK but also within the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the Indian National Trust are the subject of a number of warm international tributes from conservation luminaries in the latest edition (Vol 15, No1).The issue also provides several invaluable articles of direct relevance to conservation practitioners. One of the valuable aspects of Elizabeth Green’s article about the conservation of a medieval Grade ll* farmhouse ‘Egryn’ in Meirionnydd,Wales, for the National Trust is the thorough explanation of the approach. Here, understanding is gained concerning the significance of the fabric of the house and the importance of balancing high standards of building conservation.This is in addition to allowing public access and continuing the house’s original purpose as a working farm.Work on the site continues, but the author states that prior evaluation emphasises the importance of carrying out as much analysis as possible before building works, as well as the need for local community involvement and support. Understanding the significance of historic structures without destroying them is essential wherever possible. Explanation of current best practice in such matters is an important aspect of the journal. In this regard the article by Jonathan Spodek and Elizabetta Rosina on the application of infra-red thermography (IRT) is instructive.While this technique has been available for some time, the explanation of its practical application, together with four case studies, serves to emphasise that IRT functions as a measure of radiated surface temperature. The interpretation of the temperature maps generated relies on correct, careful and thorough evaluation.This is coupled with a clear understanding of historic building materials and assemblies.The integration of IRT with other techniques will dramatically enhance the value of an investigation’s results. Unconsidered changes to the internal environments of historic buildings can have serious consequences for both the fabric and contents, especially buildings open to visitors. Linda Bullock examines the impact of environmental controls in National Trust properties for which she is a consultant. She describes the issues and processes associated with measures to slow deterioration of collections and internal decorations without damage to the structure. She discusses how environmental monitoring provides knowledge of building performance prior to a services project and how this relates to the trust’s environmental control strategy.The article also briefly mentions other control methods such as buffered microclimates and dehumidification, and other current issues of ventilation, insulation and fuel. It should perhaps go without saying that the choice of appropriate material and techniques for traditional buildings applies wherever the building is situated.The unfortunate loss of traditional building construction skills and disuse can quickly lead to the complete loss of buildings that have been gently and suitably repaired over many generations.The impact of some of these issues and the generic lessons for us all are highlighted in Aylin Orbasli’s well-illustrated description of the conservation of traditional coral stone buildings on Saudi Arabia’s northern Red Sea coast. It is becoming impossible to identify all the techniques and materials used in the past. In this case, conservation specifications are now needed on a case-by-case basis in the light of the varying qualities of the stones and mortars used. Recent repair in cement-base renders, coupled with a shortage of the right skills, has led to many losses.The author emphasises the need for a regional crafts training programme to address this. Natural Stone Specialist (February 2009) reports that a new source of Bath stone is about to become available with Ham and Doulting Stone, based at Charlton Adam, Somerset.This involves reopening Park Lane Quarry near Neston,Wiltshire. The last stone was extracted there in the late 1960s when the lease, rather than the stone, ran out.The site is only about a mile from the Monks Park Bath stone mine but the new stone is said to be more characteristic of Hartham Park.The mine has a good seam, six metres high, running through the site. There is good news that common sense has triumphed concerning the safety of cemetery memorials after the Ministry of Justice published new guidelines to cemetery authorities. Recently overzealous ‘topple-testing’ had seriously eroded the special character and appearance of some historic cemeteries, where so many monuments have been laid flat. Direct ministerial publication should give extra weight to the guidance and prevent ‘heavy-handed actions by some graveyard operators’ where this has not already occurred. Readers may recall an Ombudsman’s investigation in 2008, which castigated the testing practices of some local authorities as insensitive.This was not only to the concerns of the bereaved, but also for the damaging impact on these historic environments.The new guidance can be downloaded from www.justice.gov.uk/ publications/safety-burial-grounds.htm The same issue also explains in some detail the stonework and other repairs undertaken during the £4.5 million restoration of the Monument for the City of London Corporation.The Grade l listed, world’s tallest free-standing stone column, built to commemorate the Great Fire of London, was completed between
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