4 C O N T E X T 1 3 6 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 THE GUS ASTLEY STUDENT AWARDS Swept away by the depth and rigour Jeremy Musson writes: I very much enjoyed the privilege of being the judge of this year’s Gus Astley Student Awards. I was overwhelmed by the high quality of research in the broad field of historic building conservation, from in-depth analysis of conservation policy to more building-focused studies which highlight the complexity of so many contemporary conservation issues. Selecting my finalists was a challenge, but a rewarding journey. It made me reflect on my own career as historian, lobbyist, curator, magazine specialist architectural editor, and now consultant and author, and how much has changed in 25 years – and how critical the historic environment is to our cultural and social wellbeing. There might not be the money there was in the 1980s, but there is a greater pool of knowledge and skills available to get things right – and better national and international networks of communication and sharing of skills and knowledge than there was then. I notice that the IHBC’s mission statement includes special reference to how important the historic environment is to the whole population. ‘It is all around us and creates a sense of place and local identity. It provides continuity with the past, but also accommodates change and helps places adapt for the present and future.’ Being in Edinburgh, the IHBC conference underlined the importance of the historic environment as a living and creative part of modern life. This was reflected in walks through the main city and the evening event in Summerhall, the former Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, now a vibrant ‘creative hub for the arts’ with studio and workshop spaces within a historic group of buildings.We were reminded too of the many links between artists, creativity and the regeneration of the historic buildings and streets. Creative artists and writers have often played an important part in the history of identifying and rediscovering the past: Morris, Ruskin, Turner, Osbert Lancaster, Piper and Betjeman all come to mind. It might be interesting for the IHBC to consider a themed symposium, with artists using places such as Summerhall, or occupying old warehouses as studios, discussing ideas about place and history more widely. Sound knowledge and clear understanding of buildings underpin the best conservation philosophy and practice, so for the first prize I selected the impressively wide-ranging study of Knight Hospitaller commanderies and associated parish churches by Sebastian Fry. I was swept away by the depth of research and the rigour with which Fry tackles and explains this overlooked but fascinating subject. He draws not only on on-site survey work, and visits to structures as far apart as Pembrokeshire and the Mediterranean island of Rhodes, but also on first-hand research in medieval and later sources. This study, which must stand as one of the best surveys of the subject to date, includes both a valuable gazetteer of surviving commanderies (of a historic 37, only 14 remain). It concludes with a thoughtful survey of the history and current practice of the conservation and presentation of surviving commanderies. The other three dissertations I chose for awards have a similarly impressive range, although they tackle very different subjects.Yuk Hong Tan’s ambitious, multi-layered study of five historic colonial era bridges over the Singapore River, built between the 1860s and 1930s, is very well researched and clearly argued. It puts a compelling stress on a holistic approach to the conservation of such bridges, drawing on a clear understanding of their technological, historic, economic and contemporary social significance. Lauren Ayers’ dissertation, on a more everyday subject, caught my eye for its careful and systematic character. It provides an account of the legal conservation protection of the Edwardian terraced house in Britain. This lively study vividly underlines the vulnerability of the Edwardian terraced house, which is a defining feature of the British townscape and way of life. Ayers makes a good case for further nationwide analysis, recording and indeed the extension of legal protection. I was captivated by Tim Lewis’s fascinating study into a muchoverlooked subject that defines the British town: post-war social housing. The provision of post-war housing was an enormous challenge to national and local government. Lewis’s investigation into the new housing on Hester’s Way Estate in Cheltenham, built using non-traditional systems, is rigorous and well-written. It extends a robust understanding of the process and historic context of the design of such houses (which were constructed using poured and precast concrete to speed the delivery of building targets), and of the challenges of repair and maintenance of these houses in modern times. Meeting the runners up and many other students, lecturers and professionals in the field at the conference reinforced the sense of industry and excitement in the new generation, and in people retraining in the heritage field, fulfilling lifelong interests. The work going on in universities and architectural schools today in this field is truly inspiring. It gives great hope for fresh new ideas in the philosophy of conservation and preservation. I am deeply grateful for the institute for my exposure to so much talent and industry. The Annual IHBC Gus Astley Student Award is presented in memory of Gus Astley, former membership secretary of the IHBC, and supported by the IHBC and the Gus Astley Memorial Fund.The award is presented for an outstanding item of taught-coursework accepted as part of either undergraduate or postgraduate courses. Jeremy Musson and Bob Kindred introducing the Gus Astley Student Awards at Summerhall, Edinburgh This year’s GASA winner Sebastian Fry thanks the IHBC for his award
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