BOOKREVIEWS Subsections explain the influence of bedding characteristics, joints, grain and cement composition and weathering on sandstone and the formation and building characteristics and use of stones. a simple understanding of how the rocks were formed is an essential prerequisite to appreciating the content of the main part of the Note. This is a very comprehensively illustrated survey of Scottish quarries based largely on photographs taken for the British Geological Survey in the period 1910 to 1939 showing clearly how the rocks were laid down, how they were quarried and how they were worked on site. Of the many quarries described, only four were working building stone in 1996. A strategy for revival of the Scottish stone industry is the subject of a separate Historic Scotland Research Report also published in 1997. There is a good Bibliography, Glossary of Terms and an Appendix list of quarries still working stone although thankfully this is longer than the list of those described. The quality and durability of Scottish stone made it equally suitable for building projects outside Scotland and equally this Technical Advice Note should find a readership wherever Scottish stone may have been used. Anyone with an interest in stone and how it was won will appreciate this highly informative, well illustrated and modestly priced publication. Recommended. HHMuir MORETHANJUST WORDSON PAPER The Historic Scotland Guide to International Charters - Technical Advice Note 8. D Bell. Technical Conservation, Research & Education Division, Historic Scotland. Edinburgh 1997. 84pp. 4 b+w illus .. A4. Softback. ISBN 1 900168 24 3 £9.95. It is not uncommon to find reviews in Context concluding that the book in question should be on every conservation professional's desk. In this case the truism certainly applies and one wonders why an analysis of national and international conservation principles has not been carried out before. The intention is that it will provide a better informed approach to conservation work in Scotland but applies with equal relevance elsewhere. The preface points out that the volume attempts to clarify conservation principles, of which the Venice Charter is the best known, but it is over a century since William Morris wrote his Manifesto. The Guide asks to introductory questions: Why conserve?, and What should be conserved? and answers the first of these by reference to a brief history of the development of the philosophy of conservation and by quotations from the 19th century and later which demonstrate a consistent strand of thinking on such issues as authenticity. How individual nations have struggled with the same issues is demonstrated by examples of aims to define the elusive qualities of that nation's 'cultural personality'. In answer to the second question, the book points out the academic nature of much charter making as reflected in the predominance of architectural historians in the process and the lack of technical and scientific criteria or people qualified to make them. Even detailed recommendations from the Council of Europe have an academic bias than what the book identifies as 'social or psychological criteria'. Section 3 provides all the Charter definitions of terms, quoted for comparison followed in a later Section by more detailed guidelines for action using the terms. As there is scope for much confusion in the use of terminology, this common vocabulary must be capable of being used with care and precision to establish a common link between the ethics of conservation and work on site. Section 4 helps define conservation ethics - how we conserve. It defines concepts such as authenticity, conjecture, integrity, patina, the rights of the indigenous community and then criteria: minimal intervention, minimal loss of fabric, reversibility and so on. In each case a definition is given together with its sources. Section 5 deals with guidelines for fundamental courses of action and again subdivides headings on integrated conservation; recording of fabric as found; investigation of evidence; planning for continued maintenance and so on, with the 1979 Burra Charter featuring significantly in the analysis. Section 6 gives guidelines for works on site and covers choice of materials and techniques; reuse, adaptation and utilisation; stabilisation or consolidation; treatment of context; management; non intervention and the thorny issues of preservation and the three 'R's - restoration; replication and reconstruction. Each is again defined with its appropriate sources. On the issue of 'recreation' the book is blunt. All charters unanimously refuse to consider it acceptable. Other sections deal with definitions for legal and fiscal measures; education of the public and professionals and related matters including the impact of pollution, traffic, natural disasters and war. A helpful bibliography and a list of further reading is provided, together with a chronological list of charters. At the end the book concludes with Morris's 1877 manifesto and Ruskin's The Lamp of Memory from The Seven Lamps of Architecture - a nice touch. Well laid out and highly informative, this Technical Note is indispensable and deserves the widest dissemination among conservation professionals throughout the UK. It is likely to be well used. HHMuir ESSERXEVISITED The Essex Design Guide for Residential and Mixed Use Areas, Essex Planning Officers Association (Alan Stones, Ed.) 1997. Continued on page 46 ACANTHUS 42 P I a i n & Decorative Plastering 5 Hansford Square Combe Down Bath BA2 SLQ Tel/Fax: 01225 837223 email: acanthus.pd@virgin.net TRADITIONAL PLASTERINGSPECIALISTS HISTORIC & LISTED BUILDING Restoration • Conservation • Consultancy In Lime• Cement• Gypsum Compositions • Fibrous Also suppliers of Traditional Lime products & Lath The complete serv ce Context58 June1998
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