8 C O N T E X T 8 4 : M A Y 2 0 0 4 on Swedish research examining the scientific evidence of performance of original features, to help counter the arguments for replacement with triple glazing. This could not be more topical in the light of ever-increasing pressures for greater energy efficiency – and as a counter to the high-pressure sales techniques of plastic window companies. The second part is awaited with eager anticipation. The monthly Natural Stone Specialist (January 2004) began the year with an attractive design makeover, giving the magazine improved typography and layout. Heritage-related themes remain to the fore, with an overview of recent conservation publications and last year’s ‘Restoration’, as well as industry news. The latter includes plans by Lambs, the brick and terracotta manufacturers of Sussex, to excavateWealdon Sandstone near East Grinstead on a significant scale or the first time in many years.Wealdon is often likened to weathered Bath stone, and the natural patina that appears with ageing (a bit like conservation officers) gives it a pleasing warmth. The tight grain and size of the blocks Lambs intend to extract will lend it to carving capable of carrying fine detail. The spring edition of SPAB News (No 1, Vol 24) pessimistically predicts the death-throes of conservation areas unless the onslaught of plastic windows can be halted. It takes evidence from condition. For the latter the plea is that back-of-house facilities should function to a reasonable basic level – especially crucial for touring venues. There seems to be almost a theatricality in the inability of local authorities to understand these buildings fully or to know how to stem the decay which is all too evident to the performers (and in some cases the unfortunate audiences). None of this is assisted (as indicated elsewhere in the same issue) by some councils not even being aware of their statutory obligation to consult the Theatres Trust on proposals affecting any building in their area used for theatrical performance. After Oxford and Bath, TheVictorian (March 2004) has turned its spotlight on major Anglican churches in Brighton and Hove under threat as a consequence of a review by the Diocese of Chichester. Nine churches are to be closed in Brighton and six in Hove. The problem seems familiar: too many churches and too few worshippers. The society is concerned that what it describes as an ‘astonishingly illinformed’ report deals only with pastoral concerns, not the magnificent legacy of some of the finest 19th century churches in the country. The report does not even describe the architects, the listing grades or the benefit of past English Heritage grants. This is an excellent campaigning polemic and a good demonstration of why national amenity societies are important. All the threatened churches are illustrated. There are good succinct articles on Pearson’s Hove churches including the Grade l, All Saints; the spectacular and massive St Martin’s Brighton by local architect Somers Clark (a pupil of Sir Gilbert Scott); and St Peter’s Brighton, an important early work by Barry (1828). All three are proposed for closure. Elsewhere Teresa Sladen reports on how the relatively modern and never wealthy Manchester diocese tackled this problem following joint funding from English Heritage to assess not only historic quality but also the condition and financial position of each parish. Sladen persuasively argues that the employment of a diocesan conservation officer, as recommended in the Newman Review of the Ecclesiastical Exemption, would make such a difference. It is a timely review in the light of the present review of the Pastoral Measure, the role of the Redundant Churches Advisory Board and the DCMS current consultation of the Exemption. Bob Kindred MBE Shattered terracotta cornice of the Capitolio in San Juan, Puerto Rico.The massive damage and imminent collapse were the result of a combination of salt water and pollution penetration causing steel corrosion and the consequent loss of the structural support system. Matters were made worse by the lightweight cinder-crete backing, which produced sulphuric acid when water got into it (Journal of Architectural Conservation). Heritage Counts about the loss of 95 per cent of the original windows in four conservation areas.With strong public support for everyday heritage, there is a serious policy mismatch. SPAB effectively marshals all the usual arguments about soulless replacements and the unattractive, unauthentic environmentally questionable character assassination in progress. It argues strongly for better and more comprehensive use of Article 4 Directions, with a case example from Hampstead Garden Suburb. What can be expected from the overworked, under-resourced Davids of planning departments against the Goliaths of the plastics industry on the one hand, and the believers that our heritage should be maintenance-free on the other, is an entirely pertinent matter unlikely to be resolved in favour of conservation without intensive micromanagement of historic areas. A recent attack by a leading stage actress in The Independent on the poor physical conditions for performers in Lord Lloyd-Webber’s West End theatres is partly echoed by a further piece by Marilyn Cutts (of Fascinating Aida fame) in the Theatres Trust Newsletter (No 71, March 2004). Both actresses emphasise that these theatres (many of them listed) have to function properly to survive. For the former, the concern is having the basic infrastructure of the buildings in sound
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