C O N T E X T 9 6 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 6 Heritage Convention and whether these plans provide models for such locations elsewhere. Gerard Lynch examines the ‘The ColourWashing and Pencilling of Historic English Brickwork’. He describes, as part of the long-standing traditional bricklayers’ craft, the practice of applying a colour wash over the façades of external brickwork but then articulating the brickwork by applying thin distempered lines over the ochred mortar.This contrasts with the original, wider sizes of joints. He feels this process may have been an integral part of the finishing phase of the building process on many significant historic brick buildings well into the first half of the 18th century in parts of England. Finally, Mark Cannata of John McAslan and Partners gives the first part of two papers on the restoration of the iconic Grade I listed De LaWarr Pavilion at Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex, designed by Eric Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff in 1934–5.The first part outlines the history of the Pavilion; the waxing and waning of its fortunes; the factors that eventually made its conservation possible; and the context in which the project was developed. A further article will look in greater detail at the technical issues related to the causes of the building’s deterioration, its repair and the principles, methodology and techniques that were eventually used. Articles about restoration projects have always featured prominently inNatural Stone Specialist. The April 2006 issue described the repairs by Durham County Council since its acquisition, after years of dereliction, of the 200-acre Grade ll* Hardwick Park in Sedgefield, where uniquely all the buildings in the garden were designed by the 18th century architect James Paine. (The original owner John Burden appointed Paine when he inherited a fortune from his father because all 17 of his older brothers died before their father.) The May issue explains that while there is no single source about which stones have been used for which historic building or where current sources of that stone, or acceptable alternatives, can be found, the imminent publication of the Strategic Stone Study by English Heritage will bring this a stage closer. ChrisWood of English Heritage (and a long-standing IHBC member) explains how the work was carried out. His article illustrates two examples of inappropriate choices of stone that have not blended in, with all the deleterious visual impact one might expect. Following publication there is a planned five-year research programme, with the intention of establishing priorities in terms of the most important stones and areas to survey; holding regional seminars with potential partners; commissioning or producing promotional material to raise awareness of the project; defining ‘conserve at all costs’ supplies of rare stones and the suitability of substitutes; and working with the English Stone Forum to promote the interests of English stone. The latest issue (No 42) of the RICS Building Conservation Group Journal has valuable insights into several contemporary policy issues. An abridged exposition of the RICS response to the first stage consultation on the English Heritage Conservation Principles concludes that there is a problem of ambiguity of many of the principles if these will be used in legal proceedings, and that the absence of a glossary is unfortunate. Henry Russell, chairman of the Gloucester Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) since last year, explains why part of his mission is to explain the mysteries of the ecclesiastic exemption system not only to parishes but often to their professional advisors. As a clear description of the processes of a well-respected DAC, this is a helpful explanation for those unfamiliar with the mechanics. The regular interview spot is devoted to John Fidler. Although only briefly outlining an illustrious career, it does counterpoint his concerns, not only on professional accreditation in building conservation (‘all my fault’) but also the crisis in craft skills. In concluding by pondering ‘where the next generation of people like John Fidler is coming from’, the article oddly fails to mention Fidler’s imminent departure from English Heritage. Bob Kindred MBE Cathedral Communications has just released the 2006 edition of The Building Conservation Directory. As arranged by IHBC’s membership secretary Mike Lea, each IHBC member who has asked to receive relevant promotional mailings will receive a copy of the Directory shortly by post. Members who do not, but who would like to receive future Cathedral Communications publications on the historic built environment including the annual Historic Churches, should email Lydia Porter at admin@ihbc.org. uk to change the status of their mailing preference on the IHBC membership database.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=