C O N T E X T 8 8 : M A R C H 2 0 0 5 3 The Conservation Register website helps individuals and organisations find a local conservator by choosing from the wide range of categories such as paintings, textiles, books or ceramics; view detailed information on each practice including contact details staff training and qualifications, professional accreditations, charging policies and descriptions of recent work; and follow online links to conservators’ email addresses and websites. Additional support and a postal enquiry service are available by contacting 020 7721 8246. The Conservation Register is owned by the UK Institute for Conservation, which operates it in partnership with Historic Scotland and the National Council for Conservation-Restoration. What does it all mean? The Dictionary of Urbanism is the latest publication by Context editor Robert Cowan.The 500-page dictionary is expected to become a standard reference. It defines and explains almost every word or phrase that a councillor, developer, built environment professional or community activist is likely to hear, read or write. It explains the key concepts of urban design, planning ‘PRIVATE OWNERS [of listed buildings]… are at the mercy of sometimes chippy conservation officers and English Heritage officials, whose ambition is to act as architectural traffic wardens – inflexibly applying the letter of the law regardless of expense and convenience. “What’s the difference between a conservation officer and a terrorist?” runs a slightly risqué joke in architectural circles. “You can negotiate with a terrorist.” ‘Delay, expense, the frustration of being embroiled in an often unhelpful, nit-picking bureaucracy, the rage that results from discovering personal aesthetic judgments can be vetoed by a petty functionary of the nanny state… this agony, in striving for consent to make even the most modest of alterations to a listed building, destroys the pleasure of living in it… ‘Most councils no longer employ qualified conservation officers – perhaps architects who are used to the small compromises that must be made if an old house is to serve as a living family home. Instead, they offer the sort of salary that attracts only a newly qualified graduate, if that. The new breed of conservation officer – and sometimes English Heritage official – appears, to the average homeowner, like a member of Chairman Mao’s Red Guards, armed with the certainty of youth, and apparently indifferent to the domestic misery his decisions can inflict… ‘Not surprisingly, Simon Thurley, the dynamic chief executive of English Heritage, does not see it like this. Most owners of listed buildings are happy that the quality of their homes is recognised, he says. But even he acknowledges a smidgen of a problem: “There are not enough conservation officers. They do not have the right training. They do not have the right sort of political support.”’ Clive Aslet, editor of Country Life, writing in the Sunday Telegraph. ‘CLIVE ASLET… showed a surprising lack of understanding of why and how our historic buildings are protected… ‘Historic buildings are protected by the community’s laws because they The chairman’s responsibilities are to coordinate the board’s activities. The board meets four times a year, currently alternating between London and Birmingham, and the chairman acts as the link between it and the IHBC. Currently the chairman attends Internal Affairs Committee (four meetings a year) and at present is a member of council, although this is to be reviewed. In addition he or she acts as principal point of contact for Context (usually via email) for press releases and enquiries from IHBC members and the general public. The editorial board comprises six members, each currently with a defined editorial role: commissioning features, regular contributors, the IHBCYearbook, and reviews. It is very ably supported by the editor, Rob Cowan, and Cathedral Communications, the publisher. It sets editorial policy and looks to develop Context as the principal journal of record for the world of building conservation. Over the past five years the board has established a system that relies on cooperation and communication, which means that the meetings themselves are usually good opportunities for exchanging ideas and thoughts on wider themes and issues in the historic environment.The challenge as always is to maintain a focus on producing Context while looking forward to ensure that it remains the institute’s shop window. The role of chairman brings with it responsibilities but also opportunities. If you are interested in knowing more about it please contact me ([email protected] or telephone 01483 562851) to discuss.We hope to hold interviews on 23 June in London. Nigel Barker Historic farms conference The Historic Farm Buildings Group Annual Conference will be held in Herefordshire on 16–18 September 2005. The theme will be the development and change of farmsteads over time. Despite the quickening pace of change, Herefordshire retains large numbers of traditional farmstead layouts, with some holdings inheriting collections of buildings spanning three centuries. Contact Joan Grundy, Old School House, Ullingswick, Hereford HR1 3JQ [email protected] Conservation Register online Detailed information on conservationrestoration practices in the UK and Ireland is a now available at www.con servationregister.com for the use of all those concerned with the care of art and heritage. and regeneration, describes the work of pioneers who have inspired new ways of thinking, and shows how urban life is portrayed in the arts and popular culture. The dictionary is illustrated by Lucinda Rogers, whose drawings of urban life appear inThe Guardian, Daily Telegraph andNewYorker. Order the book (hardback, £29.95) online at www.urbanwords.info, a dedicated website that uncovers the latest terms, trends, ideas, concepts, personalities and policies in the field.
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