achieve as accurate an understanding as possible of the nature and components of the paints and other surface finishes that are being studied. This will both improve the historical understanding of their use and formulation and also help to plan the choice of replacement materials in the future. Finally, the University will help in the interpretation of the results, and formulate a way in which they can be implemented in the field. The second element in the study is the support of a manufacturer of traditional paints and surface finishes, which is prepared to sponsor the research and provide technical assistance. Keim has already made similar studies in Europe, and this will be its first in England, but it is important that it will also be run as an independent piece of academic research, rather than as an extended marketing exercise. The quid pro quo for the company is in having its research base widened, and in being associated with an exercise which independently shows the historic use of materials similar to those which it manufactures. The final element is to involve a local authority which recognises the need for an accurate understanding of the local traditions of surface finishes. This was felt from the beginning to be important not only so that the local sampling on people's houses could be carried out more smoothly, but also in the hope that the results would subsequently be incorporated into an active conservation policy. The underlying philosophy of the study is to link it as strongly as possible to the work of local authorities, which will have to deal with the implementation of the results, and with the modern building industry, which will be needed to supply the materials. If this pilot study goes well, and a reliable and cost-effective methodology is established, then it is hoped to make the system available to many more local authorities, so that they can determine the nature of their local surface finishes, the spectrum of their historic paints, and to provide them with an appropriate range of readily available alternatives. Although it will always be important to know the accurate recipe for an historic paint or render, and we need more understanding of them, there is in the end little point in a Conservation Officer trying to persuade the sceptical owner of a historic house not to use cement paint, if the only alternative is to propose the original blend of lime, crushed egg shells and cottage cheese. James Douet can be contacted at, 20 Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol B52 8D}. CONTEXT 40 ADVICE ON DECORATION AND FINISHES Two new titles have been added to the Care of Victorian Houses series of leaflets from the Victorian Society (see Contexts 34 page 6 and 35 page 5). Number four is on Interior Mouldings and number five is on Wallcoverings. They are required reading for Conservation Officers. (Note also that Harriet Hawkes has reviewed an essential English Heritage guide to historic wallpaper manufacture and use in this issue of Context, page 39). Interior Mouldings explains how skirtings, dados, picture rails, cornices and ceiling roses were made and applied throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, and is illustrated with authentic designs taken from catalogues and builders' handbooks of the period. Down-to-earth ideas for cleaning, repairing and reinstating mouldings are followed by a page of vital information on further reading, places to visit and sources of technical advice. Wallcoverings is an essential guide to wallpaper design in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, which shows that there was (and is) much more on offer than the distinctive designs of William Morris. Full colour illustrations include modern reproduction papers alongside examples from museum collections, to show the sheer variety of options available then and now. Sensible advice on choosing wallpapers for old houses will make it easier for the reader to choose from the bewildering number of designs on the market. Add comprehensive lists of {)~ ~o/'o %~0 fonhcc ,c,ding ~'i1q; and companies ~ ~ which produce ~ -<I, wallpapers suitable for old ~ ~~./\ houses, and Conservation ~ </', V Officers have a guide which will ~J' be a most useful reference source. These leaflets are available price £3.00 each (including postage) from Kit Wedd, Education Officer, Victorian Society, 1 PrioryGardens,London W4 ITT Wall can breathe as it should, some salt damage to internal decoration possible but usually limited to base of wall. Left: Illustration from 19th century book. Above: One of a seriesof usefal diagramsfrom the South Hams DC guide to using lime. USING LIME South Hams District Council has just produced an excellent guide (the second in a series) written by the Conservation Officer, Alan Cheetham, on the Use of Lime in Building Repair and Construction. It is very helpfully illustrated showing clearly not only how lime works (the lime cycle) but how essential it is that buildings should breathe and how to deal with common problems such as dampness and associated problems of erosion of stone, failure of cob and dry rot in timber frames. Use of lime mortars including buying lime, mixing aggregates, coarse stuff and additives are covered as are pointing, rendering and the finishing of new work. The advantages and disadvantages of lime wash are given and mortar mix tables are set out. Recommended. Copies can be obtained from: Alan Cheetham, Planning & Housing Department, SHDC, Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes TQ9 5NE. Tel: (0803) 864499 ext 288. 13
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