Context 161 - September 2019

62 C O N T E X T 1 6 1 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 repair and conversion to extension and new building in context. A plea for beauty in architectural design, followed by an autobiographical introduction and a passionate conclusion, provide the bookends for 16 further chapters that cover topics across the historic environment. These include ‘The layering of history’; ‘Old and new in context’; ‘Old and new in Online ordering - pay securely by credit card or PayPal Next day delivery on a huge choice of stocked items Take-off service, free quotes and technical advice Unrivalled customer service 0800 644 44 26 www.rainclear.co.uk THE HOME OF METAL GUTTERING HIGH QUALITY LONG LAST ING CONSERVATION OR REFURB TRADITIONAL & CLASSIC COPPER ZINC 4 5 % O F F C A S T I R ON contrast’; ‘The care of cathedrals’; ‘The typology of barns’; ‘The art of repair and the texture of age’; ‘The art of construction and detailing’; ‘The case for restoration’; ‘The regeneration of historic areas’ and ‘Conservation cause célèbre’ (the last being about King’s Cross and St Pancras). The thematic structure allows readers to use the book as an encyclopaedia as well as a course on contextual design. It will be of equal interest to professionals and those who would like a taster of both heritage and design. Each chapter presents examples of completed projects, starting with a briefing on the history and significance of the building in question, giving colourful insights into the process. The information is concise and accessible as the text strikes a balance between jargon and artful storytelling. The reading experience is enhanced by a plethora of eye- catching images, zooming from site to surface; a printed compendium of site visits, focusing on object and subject from various angles. Practice brochures in the architectural sphere tend to select just a handful of prominent buildings and dwell on them to showcase a firm’s achievements. Griffiths’ book takes a different approach. It does not discriminate in favour of glamorous projects, but provides an authentic, holistic panorama of the rewarding work of the practice in the historic environment from the Ragged School Museum, Limehouse, to Jesus College, Cambridge; from Oxford Prison to Kenilworth Castle Tudor Privy Garden,Warwickshire; from barns in Suffolk to manor houses in East London; from London DockWarehouse to the Garrick Club. It comes complete with lists of projects and clients, awards, articles and staff. Michael Asselmeyer is an architect and architectural historian who worked for Richard Griffiths Architects in 2001. Creative Heritage Consultants Ltd Buxton, Derbyshire Tel: 01298 77774 www.creative-heritage.net Working with the public, private and voluntary sectors to turn heritage liabilities into assets Consultants to Nottingham City Council for Carrington Street Townscape Heritage round 2