C O N T E X T 1 2 1 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1 9 IHBC Annual School Annual School 2011 School 2011 IHBC An 2011 IHBC Annual S IHBC Annual School School 2011 IHBC IHBC Annual Scho IHBC Annual School 2011 Navigating the shallows: conservation and stewardship in uncertain times ‘Navigating the shallows’ sounds like the title of a manual for bargees. It proved to be an inspired strapline for a discussion about how to maintain our profession in these straightened times. A large number of IHBC members are employed by local government, where the funding coffers, especially for historic building work, are distinctly shallow. Llandudno was the natural choice for a North Wales venue. It has outstanding architectural merit, good connections by train, and a central location for touring other historic sites and places of interest. A single conference and accommodation venue encourages networking. The seafront at Llandudno never fails to impress for its architectural integrity and elegant curve. Our base for the three days was the seafront St George’s Hotel. Llandudno owes its distinctive look to the influence of the Mostyn family, which has lived in the area since at least the mid-16th century. The town’s grid plan was laid out by the Mostyn Estate in 1849, and the estate still retains considerable control over design and detailing. Nathan Blanchard and his local team organised an excellent mix of visits and lectures. He made it all look so easy, although we know that organising an IHBC School is anything but that. On Thursday afternoon we divided into groups. One went first to Bodnant Gardens, one of the most popular National Trust properties, now with improved access and tea room facilities. From there to Gwydir Castle to see the quite remarkable rescue carried out by its current owners. This major 16th century North Wales house is a rare example of a place where historic fittings were removed, and then recovered and reinstated nearly a century later. Another group went to Penmaenmawr, where 19th century prime minister William Gladstone liked to holiday, to see the successful townscape heritage initiative project. Then on to Llanfairfechan, a delight for enthusiasts of the arts and crafts. Herbert Luck North, the architect of the Close, including his own house within it, has long been underappreciated. Thanks to Adam Voelcker, this is no longer the case: Voelcker’s beautifully written and produced Royal Commission monograph on North was selling like hot cakes at the Day School. North’s work is highly individual yet utterly delightful. His buildings instantly make you want to live in them. The final group had a tour of the splendid Conwy Castle and its medieval town walls. Conwy is one of the best-preserved medieval walled towns in Europe. The evening reception was at the Oriel Mostyn Gallery, the largest contemporary art gallery in Wales. It made a splendid venue for a reception to launch the Annual School. We were welcomed by the portfolio holder for the environment of Conwy, Councillor Philip Evans. Tony Barton of Donald Insall Architects, a sponsor of the School, addressed us. He told us that Insalls still had many clients with large historic buildings (and no money), who were being pressed into doing the right thing by conservation officers. His message: ‘keep up the good work!’ The promenade, Llandudno (Photo: RobertWalker) Tour groups preparing to depart from St George’s Hotel
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