The Association of Conservation Officers fuarterly Newsletter No. ( January 1985 context UI Col!!J'•S11>U:l!.R.llH•H"'WP~~ • •'Sl"a>Wr~ 1,-nf~•
Context Contributions, news, views, queries and complaints - get them off your chest and into print! All your contributions are welcome - just remember the formula to save your hard-pressed Editor time and headaches .. FORJ,:ATas this issue. Published Quarterly in March, June, September, and December. DEADLINESfor copy a~ the end of February, f..ey, August, and November. TYPEFACE- standard typewriter faces, single spaced in columns 9f 85mmwide. ILLUSTRATIONS must be 85mmor 180mm finished width. Line drawings 0.2mm line width (minimum). Photographs must already be screened. POSTall information and copy to the Editor, Jenny Birkett, at 130 Bouverie Avenue South, Salisbury, Wiltshire. :0722_334129 or 0722 336272x387 (office) EDITOR 1S NOTE This issue has been delayed over Christmas, but please send contributio1ua for the next issue according to the usual schedule given above, ie by the end of February. Please note John Fidler's new office location and phone number in the list of ACO officers. His new role investigating 'Buildings at Risk' ib a new post at the Historic Buildings & Monuments Commission will be explained in detail in an article in the next issue. COVER: MARSHCOURT, HAl:lPSHIRE The cover picture of Marsh Court by Lutyens, was supplied by Mike Clark of Hampshire. The gardens, by Jekyll, are about to be restored with the aid of grants under the auspices of the Hampshire :Buildings Preservation Trust and the Hampshire Gardens Trust. Other cover pictures would be welcome. 2 ACOREGIONALCONTACTS NORl'H:Brian Jobling: 0632 816144 {Tyne & Wear County) NORl'HWEST: Mike King: 0704 33133x121 (Sefton Borough Council) YORKSHIRE:Robert Scriven~0924 370211 {wa.kefield Metropolitan DCp:417 W .J.:IDLANDS:Carole Izy-an: 0743 222332 (Shropshire Coun~y Council) E.MIDLANDS:Tony Jenkins:0629 341lx7182 {Derbyshire County Council) SOUTHWEST:Chris Smith: 0272 290777x530 (Avon County Council) SOUTH:Roger Evans: 0296 5000 (:Buckinghamshire County Council) EAST ANGLIA: Peter Richards:0245 352232 (Essex County Council) SOUTHEAST: Geoff Pink: 015461050 (Surrey County Council) LONDON:Rosemarie Y.iacQneen: 01 253 8455 (Hackney London Borough Council) SCOTLAND:Nie Allen: 0313431911 (Conservation Bureau SDA) WALES:Trevor Thorpe: 0267 4567 (Carmarthen District Council) ACOOFFICERS CHAIRMAN:Mike Pearce: 0962 544llx670 (Hampshire County Council) c/o The Castle, Winchester. SECRETARY:Tony Jenkins: 0629 34llx7182 (Derbyshire County Council) 17 Crimicar Lane, Fulwood, Sheffield S10 4FA TREASURER:Peter Richards: 0245 352232 (Essex County Council) 139 ~ifstan Hay, Thorpe :Bay, Essex SSl 2XG MEKBERSHIPSECRETARY: John Davey (Essex County C) 0245 352232 c/o Globe House, New Street, Chelmsford~ Essex PUBLICITY: John Fidler: 01 734 6010 (Hist.Bldgs Cornrniss.) ext 721 or messages on 01 741 7297 36 Ravenscourt Rd London W6 OUG EDITOR "CONTE.XT":I:iirs Jenny Birkett (Salisbury DC) 0722 336272 ext 387 130 Bouverie Avenue South Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8EA
Conservation Technology DRYROT- A BIOLOGICALTREATMENT: BRIANRIDOUT'S NEWTHOUGHTSONA RECURRINGPROBLEM Brian Ridout is a biologist, an expert on the treatment of dry rot and timber infection, with Hutton+ Rostron, architects of Gomshall, Surrey. (Tel. 048 641 3221) Recent projects have included houses in Surrey, and more particularly, the Brighton Pavilion. The New Scientist of 19 April 1984, and the last issue of SPABNews have accounts of their work. Mr Ridout also spoke recently to conservation officers in Hampshire. His particular interest is in rationalising treatments to maximise the effect on the dry rot fungus, and to minimise the effect on the building and the people who live in it or visit it. "It is probably worth making a few points clear about dry rot. The name dry rot refers to one European and one American .fungus only amongst the multitude which destroy timber. The name gives an entirely false impression, since if the wood really is dry then the fungus is dead. Vast amounts of money are spent each year in attempts to control infestations which died out often decades before. Very few remedial firms will make this distinction even if they are aware of it. The fungus is very sensitive and, unlike wet rots, is only found in buildings although it was once reported growing. wild on a tree stump in the Himalayas. This sensitivity means that it is difficult for the fungus to become established unless conditions are exactly sµitable, and the fungus will die if environmental conditions change. Left to itself, and under ideal conditions, the fungus will destroy a building, but a careful analysis of the problems which resulted in decay can provide the solutions to the destruction of the fungus. The control of an outbreak of dry rot requires two fields of expertise. A thorough lmowledge of fungal biology, wood technology and available treatments, together with a comprehensive lmowledge of building faults and their remedy. A biologist 3 cannot control an infestation if the building still lets in water, and an architect or surveyor is liable to achieve some very unfortunate results if he tries to attack the fungus without any notion of what the fungus is capable of doing. It is for this reason that many treatment guarantees fail. The operatives are lacking in the combination of both types of skills. The solution for most architects and remedial firms is massive destruction, but this is never desirable and seldom necessary. IJ.lwopoints should be made, firstly that there is no single treatment of dry rot applicable in every case, and secondly that inappropriate or ineffective treatment can lead to a rapid spread of the fungus." Brighton Pavilion was adapted as the Prince of Wales Brighton House in 1786, and transformed in an Indian style by Nash in 1815. Dry rot was discovered in the SE corner of the. Banqueting Room and several well known remedial firms were consulted, but all claimed that the rot could not be controlled without considerable damage to the plaster. Hutton +Rostron were then consulted. The plaster was on stud work and behind it was a ventilated cavity which was inspected using fibre optics and a range of measuring devices via 12mm holes drilled through the· plaster. It was found that the movement of dry air had stopped the fungus from crossing the cavity and attacking the timbers carrying the plaster. The latter was not actually at risk provided conditions remained unchanged. The corner plaster was partially supported by a large section soft wood post which had been infected and was considerably decayed. Inspection and laboratory tests revealed, however, that the fungus was long dead. Water-mobilized fungicidal sticks were inserted into adjacent rib ends to guard against future water movement and subsequent infestation, and ventilators were built' into this and the other three corner voids to eliminate stagnant air.
A virulent dry rot attack had developed in the NW light well. The decision was taken, unknown to Hutton+Rostron, to remove the cracked and saturated rendering from all four light wells. This provoked a stress reaction within the fungus in the NWwall and it grew rapidly and fruited in an adjacent venti la ti on shaft. The fruiting body was removed and the wall sterilized. The fungus then began to fruit on the walls of the light well itself. These sporaphores were allowed to grow and then removed before they produced spores. The fungus was thus wasting its resources by fruiting in a place which was accessible and w~ere it could be regularly cropped. If the walls had been sterilized it would probably have fruited at a lower level behind the plaster. The wall below this outbreak is totally inaccessible, on one side there is the internal plastering of the Music Room on the other side there is Regency wallpape~ The problem is how to stop the rot travelling down the wall and destroying both decorative finishes. 'i'he solution chosen was to roof over the light well and to install a dehumidifier. This.will remove moisture from the walls and create a pattern of of' water movement which should halt the downward spread of the fungus. A band of water-mobilized fungicidal paste will be inserted into the walls at the lowest possible level within the light well. This will form a barrier which will stop fungus in the wall from reaching a food source at a later date, and halt any transport of water by the fungus below the fungicidal band . .Any dry rot treatment is only as good as the future maintenance. If it is poor then the rot will probably return even if the ''full dry rot treatment" of the remedial firms has been used. 'i'he sol- ~tion to this problem at Brighton will be the installation of remote sensors at points of high risk. These will measure timber moisture content, temperatures and humidity and will give a warning if conditions change Brian Ridout/ Mike Pearce 4 HISTORICTIMBERFRAMINGVERSUS THERMALINSULATION I am sure that most members who have been looking at timber framed buildings over a number of years will have seen examples where the renovation of external walls, including new thermal insulation, vapour barrier, etc., has resulted in the deterioration of the timber frame. The root of the problem seems to be condensation within the thickness of the wall. This is usually only revealed in cases so bad that dampness becomes apparent inside the building. Then it is not uncommon to find, on stripping off the internal lining, that the frame is saturated. My colleagues and I are not aware of any research that has been carried out on this specific problem, nor do we know how widespread these effects are. Can I therefore ask AGO members to let me know what experience they have of such problems together with practical solutions? I am hoping that if we can collect enough evidence, we may.be able to persuade a suitable institution to research both the extent of the problem and ways of overcoming it whilst still achieving a decent level of thermal insulation. Peter Richards Finance VAT: WORKSTOLISTEDBUILDINGS Some will consider much has been achieved persuading the Treasury to zero-rate VATon alterations and extensions to l\sted Bu~ldings. Ot~ers will see it as only saving the regimental colours in retreat, The key area of concern should be that of repair or maintenance. How many times does a Conservation
Officer reflect that his/her Council's Listed Building grants, say 10% of costs, are only going to offset VAT? It is difficult to penetrate Government philosophy on this vexing question of relief for those individuals or organisations responsible as owners for part of the nation's heritage. As far as the attitude on VATto alterations & extens~· ions is concerned, apart from revenue yield considerations, the Treasury are able to define that as Listed Buildings are designated by a Government Department they have an obligation to be sympathetic. On the other hand Conservation Areas are designated by Local Authorities according to their own subjective criteria and the Treasury do not consider it ieasonable to give relief from a government tax on the basis of a local decision. Another Treasury view seems to be that it is more economic and efficient for public money to be directed to individual and qualifying projects through grants, provided Government can afford, than tamper with the existing VAT structure. The Treasury even now regard works for alteration & extension as being discretionary. But where is the encouragement for the necessary repair & maintenance works; a vital consideration if our Grade II buildings are to survive. A great deal of reliance is placed on Local Authorities to fill the gap on grant aid to· Grade II buildings. Local Authorities who have little influence on the compilation of the Statutory List. Even the HBMC,launched this year, supposedly with great financial potential, will be fighting a rearguard action with the Statutory List likely to expand significantly by 1989. All major political parties support the nation's heritage. The Government of the day have a responsible obligation to seek a way of promoting the preservation of older buildings. The Treasury in particular, remembering their record of plundering the National Land fund,should lead the way to an acceptable solution to the problem and so compensate for their past deeds and negative approaches. Perhaps VATis a red herring in this 5 matter now that EEC rules influence Government flexibility. Other avenues could be pursued such as those identified by the Historic Houses Association, particularly their proposal for an Income Tax allowance to private owners of Listed Buildings. When will we see genuine encourage■ent from the Government directed to all levels for conservation of the national heritage? Bob Scriven (Yorkshire Branch) GRANTAID FROMHBMC- QUESTIONNAIRE The HBMChas set up a joint working party with the local authority associations. The first meeting considered two matters: The Commission's policy and procedure on historic buildings repair grants, and The Co.mmission' s "public voice" in planning and listed building consent cases. So far as grants are concerned, a questionnaire has been issued through the LA Associations inviting comment on the existing schemes, either scope or administration -that is for S3A outstanding buildings, SlO Conservation Areas, SlOB Town Schemes, and a general question. If anyone has any suggestions they should send them either to their LA Association, or to the HBMC. The Commission, unlike the DoE, is free to make its views known at public local inquiries, normally by written evidence. Oral evidence will only be given in a very few cases of outstanding national importance. Even so it will not be possible for the Commission to join in matters of purely local interest, and it will not submit evidence unless the issues involved are significant in national terms. On the other hand, local authorities who reject a listed building consent application at the Commission's request will be able to rely on it for support with written evidence if the case is taken to appeal.
LETTERS From ROYSTONEDGE, Cheltenham, and DAVIDHAYES, Vale Royal. Dear Editor, ACO NEWSLETTER We read in the current newsletter that the West Midlands ACOwould like to see the Association produce leaflets and papers on subjects of common interest. They appear to wish us to have a more academic standing, but I recall that this idea was discussed by members of the South West area in Bath recently. It seemed to be almost unanimously agreed that this is just what we did not want. In fact it was pointed out that the Association for the Study of the Conservation of Historic Buildings performs this function. Conservation Officers can obtain very academic papers by joining them, and if they are so worried about their professional standing, then there are a number of courses available which confer a Diploma in Conservation studies. My colleagues and I in Cheltenham feel that the Association of Conservation Officers and its Newsletter are pitched exactly right. It is informal, unacademic, and we can discuss practical issues of our everyday jobs in and through it. As regards status or standing, we get to know the real craftsmen in our area and the best builders for our kind of work. They know us, and the people in the street recognise us as their Conservation Officers. Surely that is enough for everyone. Royston Edge Cheltenham Borough Council Newborough, 15 Harp Hill, Cheltenham GL52 6PY Dear Editor PERMITTEDDEVELOPMENT WITHINTHE CURTILAGEOF A LISTED BUILDING In Context No. 6, Pam Brimacombe of Woodsprings District Council referred 6 to the problem of permitted development within the curtilage of a listed building. My own authority is also aware of this problem. Unfortunately the DoE consultative paper "Proposals to Improve and Amend the Planning System", fails to recognise the problem, and concentrates only on the "anomaly" of the need for listed building consent to demolish unlisted structures within the curtilage of a listed building. However, my authority is concerned that permitted development, in the form of sheds, garages, aviaries, oil tanks, swimming pools and the like, can have an adverse effect on the character and setting of a listed building. ' Furthermore, it makes a nonsense of the statutory requirement to advertise and consult on proposals affecting the setting of a listed building when there is no control over some of these develop ments. Consequently, my authority is trying to enlist the support of the Association of District Councils in a proposal that listed building control legislation should be extended to include all development within the curtilage of a listed building. Bearing in mind Pam Brimacombe's comments, it may be advisable for the AC□ and individual conservation officers to lobby their own authorities and contacts in an attempt to persuade Marsham Street that there is a need for this extended control which in itself would remove theii own "anomaly". David M Hayes Specialist Services Vale Royal District Council Over Hall Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1ES 06065-2021 Ext. 230.
ACO BUSINESS NEWS CONSERVA'rIONSTAFFING A study on staffing for conservation commissioned by DoE from IAAS York, is being edited by the HB:MCfor publication. To supplement earlier surveys, readers are asked if they can provide current details as to arrangements in their own authorities, either in writing or by phone to Brian Hennessy or David Warren, IIBMC, Room4/8, 25 Savile Row, London WlX 2BT (01-734 6010) It would help if the following details could be provided:- 1. Name of authority/dept./branch. 2. No.officers dealing with urban conservation full time or part time. (Excluding Chief Officers) 3. Nature of any agen,oy role performed at County level or by consultants with respect to conservation. -for each officer in the team:- a. Job title b. Grade (P02/Po1/s02/s01/APT) c. Professions d. Proportion of time spent on urban conservation ( 100}~: 7 5o/~:50,{:25';b) e. Nature of other main duties. f. Membership of ACO If there is a good response, details will be provided in aggregated form in a later issue of the Newsletter. AGO MEETS RIBA A first meeting with the President and Secretary of the RIBA explored ways in which AGO could help the profession, and the RIBA could help conservation officers. More news later. LA'fii: NEW:::; We understand that Mrs Jennifer Jenkins may be about to retire as a Commissioner of the IIBMC. If this is so, it will indeed be a very sad day. Mrs J.J. has been tireless in her concern and interest for the work of saving historic buildings and conservation areas - the "local scene', not just the grand house or national monument. She has always been prepared to go and see, to listen, and to help. A greater, kinder friend there never was, and we wish her every happiness. 7 WORKING '110Gl:!.~rHER}.!,ORCONSERVATION NORWICH: 11/13 APRIL 1985 + AGO AGM We hope that all conservation officers will want to attend the joint conference with the Commission in Norwich in April. As there will be some limit to numbers, we suggest you get your name down in good time. Most of Friday will be taken up by the Commission enlarging on its perceived role - but there will be plenty of opportunity for comment and discussion, especially through the syndicate groups. Please bring points for discussion with you, together with examples of problems or successes which can be quoted in evidence. All construct~ ive comment on the development of the relationship between the Commission and LPA's welcome - especially now the consultations under Circular 23/84 are under way - or weighing you under! It is intended to have space for an exhibition of people's work, and if you would like to take space there please contact Geoffrey Lane at Norwich City Planning Office. We will be having our Annual General Meeting at 2.15pm on Saturday 13 April 1985 either in St.Gregory's church or the City Hall nearby in Norwich. Any conservation officer is welcome to attend whether yet a member of ACO or at the conference or not. The accounts will be presented, reports of regions, reports of the ACO's officers, election of officers and discussion and resolut~ ions. We hope that the formal business will not take too long, allow an opportunity for discussion, and particularly, allow us to welcome Gordon Michell who has very kindly agreed to help us draw out the main points from the conference and help us look to the future. Look forward to seeing youl TREASURER'SREPORT The ACO finances are genera+lY in order but I am afraid a number of members will receive a note in this issue of Context;elling them that this is the last unless they forward their £6 for 1984/5. Peter Richards
.\.COCOk),,IT'rE~ r:IE.,·~'rINGREPORT 'rhe Committee and i"?.eeional Reps met at the GLC Historic 5uildings Division on November 30th. Attending the meeting were 3rian Jobling (North), Mike King (North West), Chris Smith (South West) Peter Richards (East Anglia), Geoff Pink(South East), Rosemarie McQueen (London), Trevor Houseago (Yorkshire) ; also John Fidler, Mike Pearce and Jenny Birkett. Carole Ryan (West J1iidlands) and Tony Jenkins (East kidlands) sent apologies. The conclusions of the extensive discussion on the Norwich conference are summarized in a separate article in this issue of Context; Geoffrey Lane of Norwich City Council, who has organized the Conference in conjunction with the University of East Anglia, attended the meeting to explain the arrangements. Suggestions were made that facilities for small exhibitions by members should be available if required; that the technical and specialist press should be invited; that some Commissioners should if at all possible be at the Conference; and that ACO itself should have a display/exhibition to explain and promote itself. This last Peter Richards and John Davey agreed to undertake. The following matters were also reported and discussed. Crafts Council ~ike Pearce said that the Working Party set up by the Crafts Council to review its role in conservation work had recommended that its responsibility for conservation and conservators (including the Crafts Skills Register) should be handed over to the National Heritage Memorial Fund. It was agreed by those present that this was undesirable and that if this national responsibility were to be handed over, it should be to the HBMC. 'technical Information from HBI\1C It was remarked that the HBMCappear8 ed to have research information on the use of traditional materials, emanating from the Ancient Monuments Special works Section,under John Ashurst,and others -which it does not at present appear to publish or make generally available. Mike Pearce undertook to ask the HBMCabout this; correspondence with Peter Rumble obtained an indication that this would soon be rectified. r.;etropoli tan Counties Mike King said that the situation in Merseyside would be extremely serious, particularly regarding archaeology. Three districts had no conservation staff at all so archaeological work could not be picked up at district level. While it was generally accepted at the meeting that no useful help could be given in highlighting the problem b) AGOwithout hard facts on budgets and staffing, the problem arose that staff had been specifically instructed not to give this sort of information to outside bodies. Re-survey It has been drawn to our attention that buildings are being deleted from draft lists by the Heritage Sponsor - ship Division of the DoE at Lambeth Bridge House, if they are the subject of a planning application - regardless of the merits of the building, and without reference to Savile Row. Those districts undergoing re-survey should therefore, it would seem, carefully check the final list against the draft list. Internal affairs Peter Richards reported membership at 280, of which 201 had paid their subs. Two resignations were reported from the ~;est Midlands Region because of the increase in subscription from £2 to £6 this year. There will be a quarterly committee meeting at the end of February - date to be fixed; contact your regional representative if there is anything you think should be discussed.
REGIONAL NEWS London The London Region has not been as dormant as their lack of appearance in the Regional news column suggests! A reasonably regular series of meetings h~s taken place, including 'walkabouts', since the beginning of May. London members also have had the opportunity to attend the GLC Historic Buildings Division's lunch time lectures. Perhaps because these events are topped up by the National Amenity Societies' offerings, some of our members are very irregular attenders. We hope in the New Year to inveigle all those 'hibernating' out in the Outer Boroughs to join us in the '85 programme ... more of which, later. Two Saturday walkabouts took place in May, led by redoubtable member, Graham King ex Royal ·Borough of Richmond and now City of Westminster. The first visit concentrated on the Green, the town and the riverside of Richmond upon Thames where members saw the Quinlan Terry Riverside development site, examples of infill, Conservation Improvement schemes and Article 4 examples. The second walk at Kew Green viewed the works, finished and proposed, at the temperate and palm houses and the Reference Collection scheme. An evening meeting in May heard Mathew Saunders, Secretary to the Ancient Monuments Society and ACO member, presenting a slideshow and talk on Ecclesiastical exemption and the draft circular. Mathew's lively talk was followed by a discussion on the London Region's response to the circular. Our June meeting attracted an audience to hear John Yates talk on 'Our Canal Heritage ... Death by Attrtition!' John, an ACOmember, lives, restores and carries cargo on narrow boats when not working in the GLC Historic Buildings Division. His slides illustrated the vulnerability of our canal heritage and pointers, alternately depressing and exciting, of BWB & LA attitude to canalside architecture. 9 In July John Fidler, ACO National Publicity Rep., ex Historic Buildings Architect to the City of London and now Conservation Officer 'Buildings at Risk' for the Comnission, addressed us on International Conservation Policy, Philosophy and Practice. Case studies bizarre, inventive and topical kept us amused and our guest for the-evening - Professor Norman Weiss of Columbia University. August saw Paul Davies, Architect to the Civic Trust and ACOmember, describe the Trust's approach to and activity in Halifax. The audience heard a presentation of the new face of this city of architectural delights where the Trust's involvement has galvanised local activity and garnered grants to arrest its physical decline. Malcolm Tucker of the Greater London Industrial Archaeology Society and ACO member, spoke to the London Region in October on Industrial Archaeology and Architecture. A controversial talk maintained that many central and local government Historic Building officers failed to recognise rare and early examples of Industrial architecture nor understood their historic interest in the development of industry. We are deeply indebted to all these members who took such trouble to present stimulating talks, slides and walks. The last two months have offered an indulgence of meetings from the Georgian Group, SPAB and ASCHB. In late November a small group of regular members met to discuss the '85 programme. We hope to cover the Role and Activities of the Commission; the CCC and Redundant Churches Fund; the National Heritage Fund; Fire Protection in Listed Buildings. We also intend to start a series of 'self help professional seminars' on structural problems; roof extensions; enforcement; shopfronts etc. North West i.rhe relisting of Liverpool is now complete. :Members of amenity organisat-
ions, such as the Society of l~orth West Archaeologists, are delighted at the results. For example, all the major surviving dock buildings of importance now have statutory protection. However, doubts were expressed at the quality of survey produced as a result of the privatisation of the resurvey in the Metropolitan Counties. If the first results are anything to go by then we canlook forward to responsible and academic additions to our lists. There is much talk in the Commission about the futility of grant-aiding individual buildings, say, in a unified terrace. The "in" term is "pepper potting". In the north west the resources of individual owners within a major terrace group are often not sufficient to allow for the assembly of a whole terrace at one time. It is very rare indeed that a whole terrace in multiple ownership can be persuaded to co-ordinate a grant application in the same building programme. As a result the restoration ofa terrace has to be undertaken over a number of years in a series of intensive, and often painstaking negotiations in order to achieve necessary visual co-ordination. Mike King Yorkshire Hello from Yorkshire. You've not heard - from us before. The Region at present has nine members. Trevor Houseago, a founder member of the ACO,and Bob Scriven are jointly acting as Regional representatives. They are aiming to expand this small group centred in West Yorkshire. Since 1974 Conservation Officers of the five ~etropolitan Districts of West Yorkshire have met as issues demanded.following the formation of ACOa favourable response to the Association's aims has resulted in membership from West Yorkshire exclusively. Presently any expansion of membership has been influenced by the changing state of Local Authorities. The future demise of the two Metropolitan 10 Counties, together with cutbacks by District Councils could reduce those involved in Conservation. Recruitment is essential. A recent seminar at the King's Manor, York, dealing with Design Guidance attracted the interest of Conservation Officers in the Region. National interest will hopefully be attracted to the comprehensive report on Design Guidance prepared and presented by a joint Regional RTPI/RIBA group.Write to the Regional Contact for further information. Bob Scriven. North The group met in Alnwick in September for a tour of Northern Heritage Trust current projects and other works in Northumberland. In Alnwick we saw the former Black Bull PH which has been converted to two flats, having been saved from a road scheme. We also looked at 8 Hewick Street, the restoration of an end terrace house which was the Trust's first project and had been well executed. The next project was a small housing development adjoining Alnwick Castle in the ownership of the Duke of Northumberland, which was virtually rebuilt with a small housing development at the rear (architect Ray Connell of Reavill and Cahill). Then on to Glanton to see South Farm, a proposal by Northern Heritage Trust to turn a redundant farm into residential and workshop accommodation.- Our next stop was Branton where Beamish Valley Farm has been converted to provide holiday flats to let and a working pottery. The final and most ambitious project was Belford Hall which has been empty and decaying for almost 40 years. Despite this neglect, this magnificent building has survived remarkably well. Although there are severe problems to be overcome, a major impact has already been made and a new roof is complete. A considerable amount
of work has still to be done on the interior which has suffered from extensive outbreaks of dry rot. In October, the group met in Newcas0 tle, and in November the Northumberland and lfowcastk Society held a conservation forum as part of the celebration of its 60th anniversary chaired by Neville Whittaker, the Director of the Civic Trust for the North East. Speakers included Mrs Jennifer Jenkins, Alan Beith MP, Miles Danby of Newcastle University, and William Hugonin, Agent to the Duke of Northumberland. Keith Murray Northern Ireland CONSERVATION IN NORTHERNIRELANDIS Nor ''TAKENFORGRANI'ED" This is the title of a new publication recording and illustrating the repair and refurbishment of the Province's historic buildings and celebrating the first decade of the Historic Buildings Council. Almost 1,000 schemes have been carried out among the 6,500 listed buildings or within the 22 Conservation Areas. The schemes are widely scattered and include most types of structures. Grant assistance ranges from ~8 for repair of thatch to over £370,000 towards the restoration of Belfast's Palm House. In Northern Ireland responsibility for listing, designation of Omservation Areas, grant-aid and planning control lies solely with the DOE(NI) and the work devolves on the Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch. This unit had its beginnings in 1969, in advance of legislation, when 2 architects were appointed to draw up a list of buildings of architectural or historic interest. ~fuen grant-aid was introduced in 1972 these architects assumed the role of advisors, drawing up schedules of 11 repair and inspecting the work. Centralisation of operations facilitated consultation within the Service, including, of course, Listed Building Consents. Historic buildings have not escaped the results of the troubles and unique difficulties have been produced despite which the work of conservation has carried on in an impartial way. We look forward with the hope of at least equal success over the next 10 years. COLINHATRICK Chief Historic Buildings Architect Department of the Environment (NI) Other groups SPABBARNSSURVEY The SPAB Barns Campaign Organiser is Miss Sarah Dennison, and anyone know;;., ing of volunteers to survey parishes not'already covered should contact her at 37 Spital Square London El 6DY or 01-377-1644. SPAB has also published notes on its policy for conversion of farm buildings which any conserv~ ation officer would find very helpful. TOUROF ITALIANHILL TOWNS- URBAN DESIGNGROUPEASTERNREGION The Eastern Region of the Urban Design Group have arranged a study tour of Italian hill towns from April 27th to May 5th 1985. The hill towns of Tuscany represent a unique fusion between buildings, landscape and way of life,and have long b€en .a source of inspiration for architects and urban designers. This tour is an opportunity to see the best of them, and to meet local experts on their growth and conservation. cost of the tour will--be £260 for eight nights' stay and travel from London. Det&ils from Alan Stones, Fullerthorne, Church St., Kelvedon, Essex co5 9AH; telephone 0245 352232 ext 299.
PUBLICATIONS Horcester source book on timber framing ...• 'CONSERVATIONOF TIMBER BUILDINGS' F W B & MARYCHARLES:(HUTCHINSON, .r.39.95). ?reddy Charles' name will be known to many AGOmembers. Those of us who have any dealings at all with timber framed (pity that word is not in the title) buildings will seek any advice available in such a relatively undocumented field. The book is neatly divided into four parts -background, (which includes historical change), office practice, case studies, and buildings. The last two sections overlap, both including examples with which the author has been involved. There is much of interest in the first two chapters both to student and novice. Almost all the studies are from the West Midlands, but all English and Welsh timber framing has much in common. This is relevant in respect of the author's reference to Cecil Hewett's work having to be viewed with caution because "his research is based on, if not confined to; the County of Essex", whereas Hewett's chronology is dependent upon examples ranging from Wells to Ely and Sompting to Hereford. The section in which Charles d~als with timber is well-informed, as is the section on framing where he puts forward yet another theory for the development of the jetty - as a structural device when building on tight urban sites. Ingenious, but not a reason for the many jettied houses in the countryside, including some of the very earliest. It is in the sections illustrating the author's-approach to the renovation of timber-framed buildings that AGOand SPAB ~embers are most likely to find fault. The very last case in 12 the book is a cottage in I+onbriuge where a gabled dormer has been replaced with a Velux, and a dated Cl7 plastered wall with a label hood mould has been stripped to expose the earlier frame. The book is illustrated by Mary Charles' clear and elegant drawings, and Martin Charles' photographs. (Admirable nepotism!) All in all, an essential purchase for the office library, but I fear few Context readers Hill be able to spring their own copy at ~39.95. Peter Richards P.S. Since I wrote this review, the publishers have told me that the price has been increased to £45.00. There's no answer to that! CIVIC TRUST'S 'ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTORY' PUBLISHED There are a bewildering number of organisations concerned with conservation and the environment. To explain who does what, the Civic Trust has published a new edition of the 'Envi_ronmental Di.rectory'. Copies may be obtained from the Civic Trust, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SWlY 5AW, tel. 01 930 0914. The price is .r.2.50 (£3.00 post paid). 'DESIG:i'IGUIDA1iCE' - A joint RIBA/ill'PI Study prepared in the Yorkshire Region 11 group u"" 1Jractising town planners and architects drawn from the Yorkshire branches of the Rl'PI and the RIBA has investigated 'Design Guidance' and has proposed action to improve the present situation. But the final 'Major Proposal' in Lhe Re-port is that "the best form of Design Guidance of all is for developers and authorities to emp}py l)rofessional designers of quality in whom we can have confidence". (Hon. r,:embers of AGO: 11Hear, Hear! 11 ) -~he l1eport is published by: RTPI-RIBA Group, 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds LS3 lAD Tel:(0532) 456250
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