50 CONTEXT 183 : MARCH 2025 Vox pop Angharad Hart Who has been your greatest inspiration? Probably Margot Gayle. She was an American historic preservationist, activist and writer with a particular interest in Victorian cast iron architecture, working tirelessly throughout her career to recognise and protect the architectural heritage of New York City. Among her many achievements was a successful campaign to preserve the magnificent Jefferson Market Courthouse, now Jefferson Market Library, which was threatened with demolition in the late 1950s. Built in 1877 in the high Victorian style to the designs of architect Frederick Clarke Withers, it was voted the fifth most beautiful building in America in 1885. What has been your best idea? During my most recent postgraduate course in building history, I had initially intended to study the evolution of Victorian fireplaces for my dissertation topic. However, after a trip to New York in 2017 I was utterly captivated by its interwar skyscrapers. I decided instead to study their character, significance and preservation. Naturally, it necessitated a return visit to carry out site visits and research. A particular favourite was the McGraw-Hill Building on 42nd street, designed by Hood, Godley and Fouilhoux, and built in 1931. During my research I was fortunate to have visited, and recorded, its lobby with striking black, turquoise and bronze horizontal banding. Sadly, the lobby interior was demolished in 2021. My research and visits have continued to inspire me and my professional practice. What would you like to have been if you had not become a conservationist? I would probably have studied architecture. However, even if I had, I have a sneaking suspicion that I would have found my way back to historic buildings and conservation. How do you reply when at a party someone asks what you do? I explain that my work involves coaching and supporting the professional development of people who work in the heritage sector. If people are not familiar with what the heritage sector is, I follow
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