LETTERS SHAKY LISTINGS Dear Editor In issue 27, you called attention to the new English Heritage publications on conservation areas. My authority agreed to buy a copy of the Regional Volume covering Devon in July. Can I simply pass on a word of caution to those who may wish to use the data in it believing them to be comprehensive and up-to-date (1986 base with supplements for 1987 and 1988). My authority designated, properly, and within the context of its District-wide Local Plan preparations, 19 new areas in 17 settlements in 1985. These, however, are absent from the directory pages - so be warned. Alan Cheetham Conservation Officer South Hams District Council Plymouth Road, Totnes Devon TQ9 5NE DOMESTIC WALL PAINTINGS Dear Editor I have read with interest John Preston's article on the problems encountered in the process of restoring minor historic buildings (Context 28, p24). I agree wholeheartedly with the need for expert advice for both house owners and those dealing with historic buildings, especially when important discoveries such as wall paintings are made. There are points I should like to raise over the case history of Burford Farmhouse, Hildersham, Cambs. Almost too mtzch advice was given to the bewildered owners, and clearly the most useful advice, that of protecting the paintings until finance for their restoration was available, was not given. Gohn Preston sought this advice in his dealings with 7 and 9 Silver Street Ely.) The paintings were discovered behind early 19th century panelling. The owners wished to remove this to treat the panels for wood worm attack. The local authority agreed to this, provided that it was carried out by the carpenter who was to replace the panels and in the presence of the Conservation Officer. The panelling could have remained in situ and the room, and indeed the cross wing in which it was situated, left supported until all the details of finance and restoration had been resolved. CONTEXT 29 We are often in too much of a hurry to restore buildings and their details, making decisions that are not compatible with good conservation practice. The paintings at Burford House could still be there, protected by their 19th century panelling, awaiting the time when the owners were able to face the expense of their restoration. As an Authority we have consistently advised that a programme of restoration is perfectly acceptable in cases such as this. EM Davis Historic Buildings Officer South Cambridgeshire District Council Cambridge CB2 lPB ECCLESIASTICAL EXEMPTION: AN UPDATE Dear Editor Since I wrote the article (Context 28, p6), I have attended the public inquiry into the extension of St Wilfrid's, Cantley, Doncaster, which was erected with a faculty (but, shockingly, without any archaeological investigation) but without planning perm1ss1on, because it was erroneously supposed that exemption extends to additions. IT DOES NOT! - see DoE Circular 8/87 para 103(v). The case, was quite celebrated and made it to "Nooks and Corners" in Private Eye. If a mistake of such magnitud~ can be made then several conclusions flow: (1) ecclesiastical exemption is so labyrinthine that not even the most experienced practitioners can get it right - surely an argument for abolition! (2) in this case, unlike the one I quoted in the article, faculty j urisdiction failed to save the archaeology. The system is only as sharp as the members of the DAC .... (3) this important exception to the exemption cannot be overpublicised and ought to be engraved in bold on the hearts of all those who need to know. (4) perhaps it is time the CBA carried out its threat and withdrew its support for ecclesiastical exemption (that's a personal opinion - it does not, as far as I know, reflect the view of the CBA as a whole). Jane Grenville Historic Buildings Officer Council for British Archaeology Kings Manor, York YOl 2EP BUTTERWORTH ARCHITECTURE New - the first specific and fully qualified guide of its kind GUIDE TO RECORDING HISTORIC BUILDINGS ICOMOSUK • Covers all aspects of the technical documentation and measurement of historic buildings • Introduces improved methods of survey • Text is clearly set out, providing easy access to essential information • Extensively illustrated • Foreword by HRH Duke of Gloucester 1990 88pages Softcover 075061210X £17.95 Forthcoming- a technical manual for museum designers MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES Geoff Matthews • Provides a disciplined approach to the design process • Contains checklists, references, diagrams and photographs • Examples are taken from UK and Europe • Author is a specialist in the field of museum design 1991 160 pages Hardcover 0 75061227 4 £49.50 approx New - an illustrated description of Carlo Scarpa'smost important work CARLO SCARPA AND THE CASTELVECCHIO Richard Murphy • Describes the development of the design through to finished building • Extensively illustrated, including Scarpa's own beautiful sketches • An in-depth record of the essential aspects of Scarpa's design method • Of timeless value as a key documentation of the period 1990 224pages Hardcover 0408500522 £45.00 If you would like further information on these or our related titles please complete the form below: ----------------------------------------------·X--------- Return to: Geraldine Hills, Butterworth Architecture, PO Box 63, Westbury House, Bury Street, Guildford, Surrey GU2 SBH,UK D Please send me your Butterworth Architecture New and Forthcoming leaflet D Please send me more information on Guide to Recording Historic Building Name: _________________ _ Address: ________________ _ __________ Postcode: _____ _ CONTEXT/MAR 91 45
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