NEWS ACO CANTERBURY SCHOOL: 9-13APRIL 1997 RECONSTRUCTION AND REGENERATION:THE PHILOSOPHY OF CONSERVATION Every working day, every member of this Association makes decisions against a philosophical background which has developed over many years and which is still developing. Often we take those decisions without thinking about that background and it is intended that the 1997 Annual School, based in Canterbury, should stimulate discussion of the philosophies and principles which underpin our work in this year when we move from Association to Institute. We all recognise the immense debt which historic building conservation in Britain owes to John Ruskin and William Morris, and their debt will be underlined. There have, however, always been variations in the tradition and their contribution needs highlighting. Can one talk of conservation before the 19th century? If speculative reconstrnction should be avoided, is post-disaster reconstruction also taboo? Are Uppark, Warsaw Old Town and Ypres (the latter which it is hoped we will visit) authentic? Is an architecture which is traditional in detail but contemporary in scale and servicing an adequate alternative? Can we learn from related philosophies, such as those used in conservation archaeology, garden history and sustainable development? What happens to our philosophies when the scheme goes on site? Are owners allowed philosophies? Canterbury is a very suitable site for these explorations. Heavily bombed during the last war, it was partially rebuilt with buildings which are now coming to the end of their useful lives. How should such a thriving tourist centre redevelop? Thanet (the towns ofRamsgate, Margate and Broadstairs) is, however, following a different route, regeneration being harnessed symbiotically to conservation. Sandwich, a small town apparently with the highest density CONTEXT 52 of listed buildings in England, is different again. Need it develop further at all? These issues of regeneration will be accompanied by visits to the three centres to assess the philosophical points raised. It will be followed by the Annual School, taking the form of lectures, and Saturday will be devoted to a visit to Ypres, the south Belgian historic town reconstructed after being so badly shattered by the various battles of the Flanders campaign. On Sunday morning the development of historic sites will be continue to be assessed. Our thanks must go to Canterbury City Council, especially Mansell Jagger, John Chater and David Kincaid, who have at very short notice, assisted by Ray Harrison of Thanet DC, Clive Alexander of Dover DC and Richard Morrice of English Heritage, organised a stimulating and unusually cerebral programme. Accommodation will be on one site, just outside the city walls in part of Christ Church College. The School will be over three full days, rather than the two of recent practice, so as to include the visit to Ypres. As usual early booking is essential. David Kincaid or Joy Burton at Canterbury CC can give further details (see the advert for the address). UPDATE CONSERVATION CHARTERS Further to the article in Context 51 (p20), which detailed the many international conservation charters and standards relating to historic buildings and sites, the author is prepared to supply copies of the Charters referred to. Anyone interested in obtaining copies of the charters can contact Jack Gillon at: 12 Kirkhill Road, Edinburgh EH16 5DD. The 1997 ACO Annual School Canterbury Reconstruction and Regeneration The Philosophy of Conservation 9th - 13th April 1997 Christchurch College, Canterbury The Day School Friday 11th April 1997 TheACO is becomingan institute. The Schoolwill examine the principlesthat underpin our work. The Day Schoolwill explorethe philosophyof conservation,preservationand reconstruction Information and booking forms from: David Kincaid or Joy Burton (01227) 763 763 Fax: (01227) 763 727 CANTERBURY O t::J CITY COUNCIL~ The Association of Conservation Officers 5
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