C O N T E X T 1 3 6 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 3 part of the original arm from one of the figures was identified among architectural fragments found in the chapel and has been refixed. Metal and later additions to the monument which have been removed have been stored for future reference. A survey identified embedded ironwork but this was removed only where it was accessible and its corrosion clearly damaging the memorial. The fabric was not opened in other areas to reach it. Blown surfaces were consolidated and retained rather than being renewed. Barrier layers were used between original fabric and conservation interventions, so the work is identifiable and reversible. Fills (principally in plaster of Paris) were specified to be lighter and less strong than the substrate, and toned in to harmonise with the original. Detached sections of original scagliola were salvaged and refixed. Gilding and paint were consolidated but not renewed. National Maintenance Week Loyd Grossman is leading SPAB’s (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) 2014 campaign (National Maintenance Week, 21 to 28 November) to encourage people responsible for buildings to be aware of the importance of good maintenance. The campaign always takes place in November as this is the time when autumn leaves can start to cause blockages in gutters and gullies, and because it is a good time to take stock of the condition of a property before winter bites and exacerbates existing problems. SPAB’s dedicated maintenance website is at www.maintainyourbuilding. org.uk. Loyd Grossman, chairman of the Churches Conservation Trust, on the roof of St James Church, Piccadilly (Photo: Ralph Hodgson) An illustration for the art trail and (below) two of the trail’s features: the Heaven room at Burghley House, Lincolnshire, and the Italian Garden Mermaid Fountain at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire Heritage trails The Historic Houses Association has launched a new online heritage trail to celebrate the great works of art on display to the public at historic houses, castles and gardens. Many HHA properties have important links to artists and schools of art, with the settings of these houses and gardens inspiring and influencing their work. There are also three other online trails: the Great British Royalty Trail (properties which have links to royalty) the Great British Games Trail (properties with links to quirky games and sporting activities) and the Historic Houses Wartime Trail (commemorating the part that that HHA properties have played in wartime, whether as convalescence homes or as private homes feeling the loss of family and estate workers). The trails are all available at www. hha.org.uk.
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