C O N T E X T 1 3 6 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 11 An overview The management of continuity Arriving in Edinburgh I was greeted with the quintessential fine Scottish drizzle. It was not unexpected and, as an inhabitant of Manchester, I was prepared. This was my first visit to the city, so the walk to Pollock Halls provided me with the opportunity to explore. The stroll gave me chance to consider the school’s theme, ‘The Art of Conservation’. The afternoon tours, a regular feature of the school, provided delegates with the opportunity to sample some of the many delights of the city and surrounding areas. I joined the Dean Village and Waters of Leith tour. It was a picturesque walk along the waterway culminating at the beautifully restored St Bernard’s Well. It was great to hear from Edinburgh World Heritage about how they have been able to attract significant funds, including a considerable proportion of private donations, to revitalise the miniature temple to the healing waters. I understand from chatting with colleagues at the evening reception, held in City Chambers, that the other tours were informative and interesting. The most popular, the Forth Bridge, almost immediately fully booked, was far from disappointing. The day school was opened by Jukka Jokilehto (see Vox pop, page 52), who set the scene for the day and got the proverbial cogs turning. The variety of speakers made for an interesting interpretation of the title. Particular highlights included Angus Farquhar encouraging delegates to be intellectually brave and be bold about their views, and David McDonald sharing the literal art in conservation in the form of the artists’ residences in Kensington and Chelsea. The National Trust for Scotland provided the forum for discussion about one of Scotland’s greats, Mackintosh. Perhaps on more familiar ground, William Napier opened the philosophical debate about the conundrum of replacing defective historic fabric. Jokilehto summarised the day well, proffering that ‘the art of conservation is the management of continuity’. As conservation professionals, we practice the management of change in the historic environment with conservation philosophy, established and personal, underpinning our approaches and practice both instinctively and subconsciously. The day school provided the forum in which to consider the ‘art’ and our values more consciously. For the annual dinner at Summerhall we were welcomed by an inimitable host, Mr McDowell. The former Veterinary School, cultivated as a creative hub, was host to a modern Scottish feast. The combination of historic building and art is nothing new, but the unique blend of the tangible heritage and the McDowell family’s passion for both art and heritage make for an interesting future and a fitting bookend to a thoughtful day. The Saturday tours provided some fresh air, delegates heading to various destinations including the Old Burgh of Canon Gate, Rosslyn Chapel and as far away as the Borders. One colleague lucky enough to head further north to Orkney informed me that it added ‘an extra dimension to this school, with a chance for a more intimate and immersive engagement with the historic environment’. In summarising the annual school, one colleague felt that Edinburgh was the perfect setting for ‘the exposition of conservation philosophy to an intense debate about render’, encompassing the gamut of the profession, asking ‘what more could an enquiring mind want?’ The school certainly gave me the opportunity to contemplate the philosophical side of my professional practice. Added to the enjoyment of reconnecting with like-minded colleagues, I departed Edinburgh feeling inspired and warmed-hearted – not least because the sun was shining over a splendid city that I intend to revisit. Kate Kendall Emilia McDonald and Jukka Jokilehto at the opening of the day school TheWater of Leith tour: Alexander Nasmyth’s 1789 temple and statue of Hygeia (Photo: Jane Roylance)
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