C O N T E X T 1 1 1 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 9 7 example in the Swiss style. The article by Nick Cox describes the decorative use of its main construction materials. These include individually shaped fish-scale Collyweston stone roof tiles, external plastering in a high-relief, basket-weave pattern, wood-grained joinery, and all-but-lost leaded lights with tinted and etched latticework. Because of the very poor condition and vestigial evidence for these features, the article emphasises the considerable initial study, research and analysis necessary to inform the repair of this charming and unusual building. Thematic listing of underrepresentative and unusual or littleknown building types is currently on the agenda. Emily Gee of English Heritage writes about the architect-designed hostels for low-waged working women, purpose-built in London between 1880 and 1925. Her article shows how an understanding of the historical context for these hostels can inform assessments about their important social role and the need for statutory protection. A fascinating presentation by the author about these hostels was a highlight of the 2008 IHBC Annual School Fringe. It is good to see this now appearing in print, where the subject can be thoroughly illustrated and explained at length. Fire damage is a major threat to historic buildings. An article by Miguel Gomez-Heras, Stephen Cox, Bernard Smith and Rafael Fort from the Weathering Research Group, University of Belfast and the Spanish Institute of Economic Geology review the existing research into fire-damaged stone. The article describes the microscopic effects on the structure that results, the need for greater awareness of the threat that fire poses, and the long-term management issues of natural stone structures which have experienced fire. One invaluable aspect of the journal is as a source of current technical thinking not generally covered in depth anywhere else (except, perhaps the APT Bulletin in North America or buried deep within a long out-of-print book). This is exemplified by Jonathan Kemp’s survey of fills for the repair of marble. The article looks at the approaches, materials and techniques used by conservators in the filling of voids in damaged marble surfaces, including small surface patches and cracks. It highlights the different demands of exposed (as opposed to sheltered) locations. The article would be a useful primer for conservation professionals faced with discussions with building owners about repair requirements, determining that a conservator’s skills will be essential. The final paper is by Ian Hume, one of the country’s leading conservation engineers and an IHBC member. It deals succinctly with cantilever, hanging or pencheck stairs.While these stone staircases are found in many historic buildings from the 17th century onward, and are generally very robust, their structural action is poorly understood. This is reflected in their incorrect repair. The author describes how they work, the reasons they survive and some advice on their maintenance. A future issue of the Journal of Architectural Conservation may provide an invaluable follow-up about the repair of the Great Stone Stair at Kedleston Hall. The July 2009 issue of Natural Stone Specialist includes an article about English Heritage’s Herculean undertaking to catalogue all the stones used in buildings in England. This is the Strategic Stone Study (see Context 110, May 2009), for which just over £500,000 has been budgeted in the next two years. £280,000 of this will come from CLG. A review in 2011 will determine if the work will continue for a further two-to-three years. There are uncertainties about recruitment of good local experts and ready access to information. Data input has begun on the GIS maps of the British Geological Survey, and eventually the database will cover all 44 English counties. To assist, the Stone Federation has established its own specialist English Stone Forum, and a number of useful publications and web content are in the offing. The latest issue of TheVictorian (No 31, July 2009) looks critically at theWest Midlands. Ian Dungavell highlights the large number of highquality buildings by important local architects not protected by listing, the inadequacy of local lists as a protective substitute, and the abandonment of the Heritage Bill as a potential mechanism to correct this. He points out that the first step to saving buildings threatened with neglect is to know where they are. If locally-listed buildings are outside conservation areas they will invariably be missed from conventional (listed) buildings-at-risk surveys or English Heritage’s patchy conservation areasat-risk surveys. This will mean that they can not be the subject of any statutory heritage enforcement powers. Caroline Carr, former assistant secretary of the Ancient Monuments Society, writes about Cradley Heath, a town little known outside the Black Country. Carr highlights the district as one where many good Victorian buildings have recently been demolished.
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