C O N T E X T 9 1 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 5 its historic towns survey. The authors feel that this technique, applied to a small part of Devon (Sandford), could be expanded both geographically, and to other building materials and building types. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has from its inception been concerned with inappropriate restoration abroad. Early campaigns included lobbying against unsuitable works in Venice. The summer issue of SPAB News (Vol 26, No 2) highlights the distressing ‘restoration’ to the point of destruction of many of central Asia’s finest medieval buildings in Uzbekistan in the name of tourism, and the continuing destruction of historic buildings in Moscow. While one might cavil about the space devoted to Julie Burchill’s hero‑worship of CloughWilliams-Ellis, there is much else to provoke thought, even among the letters to the editor. These include the question of whether Slains Castle would be better left a ruin than made a pastiche; the rights and wrongs of moving Temple Bar (again) – this instance being perhaps the exception rather than the rule for SPAB opposition; and a curious tale from Suffolk about the obsessive taste acquired by local magpies for new window putty. Birdseed for garden birds, dollops of putty for magpies? IHBC member Harriet Devlin describes the process of making genuine wrought iron at the Ironbridge Museum, and its virtues over mild steel. Seven pages are devoted to the technical problems of attics and basements (and the perceived intransigence of conservation officers), while SPAB’s technical secretary gives some simple and clear advice on the removal of inappropriate cement mortar. Finally, as customarily reported at this time of year, the Newsletter of the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art (Issue 20, June 2005) has announced research and other awards to individuals, probably leading in due course to publications of interest. Fellowships go to Vaughan Hart for the completion of his book John Vanbrugh: storyteller in stone and to John Wilton-Ely towards his book The Adam Style: a revolution in design. Research grants go to Alla Vronskaya for work on Sir Reginald Blomfield as a garden designer; Nicholas Roquet onWilliam Burgess; and SusanWilson on the 19th century English Swiss cottage. Bob Kindred MBE CORNERSTONE VOLUME26NUMBER22005 THEMAGAZINEOFTHESOCI TYFO THEPROTECTION FANCIENTBUILDINGS ANCIENTALLT-Y-BELASAVED WIGHT’SHIDDENTREASURES UPSTAIRSDOWNSTAIRSLORE HARDTRUTHABOUTCEMENT UZBEKFEARS,AFGHANHOPE THELASTOFWROUGHT IRON Clough Williams-Ellis – Julie Burchill’s hero SPAB’s gentle genius Spab cover_Kev 1/6/05 11:28 am Page 1 Annual School 2006 SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION? On the Waterfront 22–25 June 2006 at the University of Plymouth, Devon The 2006 Annual School’s theme is demonstrating that conservation of the built heritage is at the heart of current thinking concerning sustainable communities and economic development. Plymouth provides a wide range of sites and examples for regeneration, and many are within walking distance of the university near the city centre. Many interesting, educational and entertaining activities have been planned. Watch for 2006 Annual School booking information on www.ihbc.org.uk
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