Institute of Historic Building Conservation No 71 September 2001 Education and training for conservation IHBC London 2001 Annual School report Learning citizenship through historic environments
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THE INSTITUTE OF HISTORIC BUILDING CONSERVATION http://www.ihbc.org.uk IHBCOfficers President: Malcolm Airs. e-ma ii: president@ihbc.org. uk Chairman: Eddie Booth, (The Conservation Studio), Hill House, Rotten Row, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 lTN. Tel: 01273 475290. e-mail: chair@ihbc.org.uk Vice Chair: Sarah Higgins, The Cottage, Church Street, Ledbury HR8 lDH. Tel: 01531 635949. e-mail: vcbusiness@ihbc.org.uk Vice Chair: Ronnie Robertson (North Yorkshire County Council. Tel: 01609 532528). Sion Cottage, Sion Hill. Kirby Wiske, Thirsk, N Yorks YO7 4EU. Tel: 01845 587494. e-mail: vcmembership@ihbc.org.uk Vice Chair: Mark Strawbridge (Nottinghamshire County Council. Tel: 0115 977 2168). 16 Promenade, Nottingham NG3 lHB. Tel: 0115 950 0973. e-mail: vcpolicy@ihbc.org.uk Secretary: Dr Richard Mon-ice (English· Heritage. Tel: 01483 304869). 3 Stafford Road. Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4QZ. e-mail: secretary@ihbc.org.uk 1}easurer: Robert Parkinson (West Oxfordshire District Council. Tel: 01993 77024 7), The Old Priory, Priory Lane, Bicester, Oxon OX6 7BG. e-mail: treasurer@ihbc.org.uk Membership Secretary: Gus Astley (Bath & North East Somerset Council), Manor House, Wells Road. Hallatrow. Bristol BS39 6EJ. Tcl/Answerphone: 01761 453047. Fax: 01761 451153.e-mail:membership@ihbc.org.uk Branches Co-ordinator: Julia Smith (Milton Keynes Council. Tel: 01908 252501). 49 Chaucer Drive. Aylesbury HP21 7LH. Tel: 01296 435187. e-mail: branches@ihbc.org.uk Consultations Co-ordinator: Graham Steaggles (English Heritage. 'f'el: 01483 252040), 54 Pulens Lane, Sheet. Petersfield, Hants GU31 4DD. Tel: 01730 266653. e-mail: gra ham .steaggles@english. heritage .org. u k Education Co-ordinator: John Preston (Cambridge City Council, Tel: 01223 457166). 90 Histon Road, Cambridge CB4 3JP. Tel: 01223 562534. e-mail: eclucation@ihbc.org.uk Technical Panel Co-ordinator: Jenny Chesher (English Heritage. Tel: 0117 975 0686), Jasmine Cottage, Broad Street, Charlton Adam. Somerton. Somerset TAll ?AT. Tel: 01458 224065. e-mail: teclrnical@ihbc.org.uk Pub/icily Officer: vacant IT Manager: Peter Badcock. e-mail: it@ihbc.org.uk Branch Officers North: Tan Goodman. Tel: 01670 519391 North West: Sheila Stones, Tel: 0161 242 1424 Yorkshire: Stephen Bateman, Tel: 01274 754551 Wesl Midlands: Kathy Baird. Tel: 01939 238433 East Midlands: Fiona Newton. Tel: 01507 601111 South: James Webb. Tel: 01962 846831 South West: David Stirling. Tel: 01249 706502 East Anglia: Michael Knights, Tel: 01603 611346 South East: Peter Cobley. Tel: 01622 221547 London: Jon Finney, Tel: 01895 250536 Scotland: Jim MacDonald, Tel: 01236 616242 Wales: Trefor Thorpe, Tel: 01267 231568 Northern Ireland: Laurence Manogue. Tel: 028 9146 9707 Republic of heland: Bernard Dee, Tel: +353 1 473 7721 Registel'ed FIS a Charity Number 1061593. Company Limited by Gtia1·antcc. Registered in England Number 3333780. Registered Office: 3 Stafford Road. Tunbridge Wells. Kent TN2 4QZ CONTEXT 71 : SEPTEMBER 2001 Context News Conference report: John Fowler: decorating and restoring in a changing world. Catherine Croft IHBC in Romania. Tangible evidence of international co-operation. John Preston London 2001 Annual School Report. Setting standards for conservation. John Preston, with contributions from Jon Finney, Catherine Croft and Peter Longman Practical conservation skills training. Nigel Crowe and Philip Grover 4 7 9 13 19 Gazebo. Young people and their heritage. Gilly Drummond 21 Editorial Conservationist with a mission. Freya Burden 23 Recent developments in the law. Conservation in the courts. Charles Mynors 26 Supporting Columns. Trial by fire answers a loaded question. Edward Morton 27 Back to the future with Mucha and Dan Dare. John Preston 29 What about our High Street? Suzanne Spicer 31 Cathodic protection of iron and steel. Iain McCaig, Kevin Davies and David Farrell 34 IHBC News 39 Book reviews 41 Conservation'sbuildingblocks The IHBC London 2001 Annual School focused on setting agendas for training and standards. This issue of Context follows its lead, and looks at some current efforts to build awareness and skills for conservation. As Andrew Saint said at the Day School in exploring what is special about London's architectural history: "understanding of urban history is skin deep". Oliver Pearcey of English Heritage looked at the resources needed for conservation (money, skills, time and commitment) at a time when conservation services "are still being progressively de-skilled and downgraded". His suggestion that English Heritage could provide training packages to help local authority staff develop their knowledge of both professional and specialist craft skills was welcome. There was an interesting comparison to be made with Historic Scotland's integrated approach, described by lngval Maxwell. Craft, technological and professional vocational qualifications at levels three, four and five, undergraduate and postgraduate conservation training, professional body accreditation and CPD seem to have been brought together. But Maxwell is still left wondering: "who educates the educators, who trains the trainers, and who supplies the suppliers?" There are lessons too from the IHBC's impressive work in Romania, where the Institute has been asked to help create a new National Craft Skills Training Centre at Bontida. The challenge is to turn round the effects of 50 years in which there has been no training in traditional construction. The Day School seems to have got things moving. English Heritage and the IHBC are collaborating on a survey of local authority conservation provision, and English Heritage has announced its commitment to requiring the lead professional on grant-aided projects to be conservation accredited. In their article, Nigel Crowe and Philip Grover highlight concerns about declining skills levels, and the difficulties in procuring appropriately qualified and experienced craftsmen to work on historic buildings. Gilly Drummond in our Gazebo slot suggests where to start: with children, who can be helped to understand a place through its social and cultural history. Suzanne Spicer, in her case study from Staffordshire, describes how regeneration and the historic environment can be used in teaching of citizenship in primary schools. In no time at all those children's attitudes will have been set. They will have become the adults who will shape, in an hundred different ways and often without realising it, the historic environment. What we do now to build awareness and skills will determine whether their impact will be positive - or if those of them who attend future IHBC Schools will be mourning missed opportunities. 3
Context Editor Robert Cowan Editorial Co-ordinator Dr Nigel Barker, 119 Stanford Road, London SW16 4PR. Tel: 020 8679 9116, e-mail: barker@norbury57.freeserve.co. uk Editorial Board Nigel Barker (chair) Catherine Croft (conference and exhibition reviews) Nigel Crowe (main features) Peter de Figuieredo (book reviews) Sarah Higgins Amy Hunt (regular contributors) Richard Morrice Julia Smith (IHBC branches) Michael Taylor (main features) Production Editor: Jonathan David, Tel: 01582 763415, Fax: 01582 467480 e-mail: jonathan_david@hotmail.com Context is published quarterly and is distributed to all members of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. © Institute of Historic Building Conservation 2001 ISSN: 0958-2746 Published for the Institute of Historic Building Conservation by Hall-McCartney Ltd, Heritage House, PO Box 21, BALDOCK, Herts SG7 5SH. Tel: 01462 896688 Fax: 01462 896677 e-mail: context@hall-mccartney.co.uk Nonmember subscriptions to Context Context is available to nonmembers of the IHBC at an annual subscription rate, including postage, of: United Kingdon £42.00 Elsewhere: US$119.00 Subscription orders, together with remittances payable to Hall-McCartney Ltd, should be sent to the address shown above. The views expressed in Context are not necessarily those held by the IHBC or the publishers. Neither the publishers nor the IHBC shall be under any liability whatsoever in respect of contributed articles. The products and services advertised in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by the Institute. O'UT OF -...v..= CON"TEX.T "A FULL frontal lobotomy to cure a headache." Unnamed conservationists commenting in Building Design on proposals by a public-private partnership to demolish large parts of Edinburgh's Prince's Street. "FOR ENGLISH Heritage, the overriding consideration will be whether the location is suitable for a tall building in terms of its effect on the historic environment at a citywide as well as local level. If not, then no tall building will be acceptable, however good the design. Only if it can be demonstrated that the location and context are appropriate will other factors, including design quality, be addressed." From Guidance on Tall Buildings, the consultation document by English Heritage and CABE. ''VIEWS CAN be enhanced by the buildings that provide the skyscape - a white stone steeple against a blue sky or a mature plane tree in winter against darkening clouds, is an essential part of our traditional city, but newer structures can also enhance our relationship to the sky, like the Post Office Tower or even, from afar, the first iconic glistening building at Canary Wharf before it was compromised by its recent lumpy brothers. "But often the sky has been lost with the blackish over-large buildings of the last forty years. Is it that we take the sky for granted, that it's too much part of our everyday lives to notice? But we notice the loss of not just precious views of our townscape, but of our sky when new buildings block it out." Engineer Alan Baxter writing in Cowcross News about the tall buildings debate. "A HUGE SYMBOL of the way we can build buildings in this country as part of a wider ecological agenda." RIBA president Paul Hyett on the proposal to erect two wind turbines on the roof of the institutes headquarters. He criticised the conservation lobby for opposing such initiatives while protecting redundant structures such as Battersea power station. Enablingdevelopmentand the historicenvironment The Association of Gardens Trusts is holding a one-day conference, 'Enabling development and the historic environment', to support English Heritage's new document Proposals for enabling development affecting heritage assets: a practical guide to assessment. This follows the policy statement Enabling Development and the Conservation of Heritage Assets, published last year. Friday 26 October 2001, 10am-5pm, at the Scientific Societies Lecture Theatre, New Burlington Street, London Wl. Fee: £40. Contact Sally Wallier, tel and fax 020 7251 2610, gardenstrusts@btinternet.com Traditional & Ecological Building Materials Bryn Gilby Historical Mortars 4 everything you need for sympathetic repair & renovation at unbeatable price, quality & service It's all on our website at www.mikewye.co.uk Mike Wye & Associates 01409 -281644 TRADITIONALBURNT LIME using WELSHANTHRACITECOAL PRODUCINGBEST QUALITYLIMEPUTTY. LIMEMORTARS,LIMEWASHES& LIME PAINTS Distributor for Wales of St Astier Natural Hydraulic Limes Details & prices on request Tel: 01656 659040 Fax 01656 657313 Mobile: 07710 965549 CONTEXT 71: SEPTEMBER 2001
RYDER & DUTTON Established 7 919 BUlLDING SURVEYS HISTORICAL BUILDING ANALYSIS FEASIBILITY STUDIES EXPERT WITNESS WORK DRAWINGS SCHEDULES OF REPAIR SPECIFICATIONS BUILDING INSURANCE VALUATIONS GRANT AID & LOTTERY APPLICATIONS CONSERVATION PLANS LIAISON WITH ENGLISH HERITAGE & CONSERVATION OFFICERS PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF CONSERVATION WORKS Ryder & Dutton 7-15 Union Street, Oldham, Lancashire OU IHA Tel: 01616221864 Fax: 01616221866 STONEHEALTH LIMITED Bowers Court, Broadwell, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GLll 4.JE. Tel: 01453 540600 Fax: 01453 540609 e-mail: info@stonehealth.co111 Website: www.stonehealth.com Building Restoration & Conservation can be Easy & Safe - Using Unique Machinery & Products Only Available from STONEHEALTH The only cleaning systems capable of developing the unique swirling vortex - well recognised as gentle, safe & effective Paint removal made possible often without the use of chemicals Sole supplier of both the well established JOS/TORC & DOFF systems Register of fully trained & inducted Operators of JOS/TORC & DOFF Full range of effective yet safer chemicals to both the user & the environment Capable of supplying products specifically formulated for individual projects ARTE MUNDIT -product for dry interior cleaning LITHOS ARTE -new form of mortar repair product ill) (D) WJF Totally different method for the removal of paint & other unwanted coatings • WestminsteAr bbey(HenryVIIChapel) • RoyalMews,WindsorCastle • AlbertMemorial,Bronzeand Stonecleaning • RIBAbuilding,PortlandPlace • CambridgeUniversity,KingsCollegeChapel • St. PancrasStation,London • OxfordUniversityI,nternalof ExeterCollege • TheKremlin,Moscow • St. Peter's - TheVatican,Rome • St.James'sPalace,London • CanterburyS, alisbury,WestminsterH, ereford,Ely,LincolnCathedrals & manyothers... Ecological & Traditional Building Products CONTEXT 71 t ' :JA. Li'm;erroducts Earth. Products L Timber [oducts SEPTEMBER 2001 We supply a range of technically excellent products for breathing constructions. Designed for today's requirements they are user-friendly, economic, energy efficient and backed by full technical support. They produce practical, healthy and attractive building solutions. Our products are already used by several national institutions and local councils, as well as on a diverse range of historic and environmental building projects. They are available through specialist outlets around the country. Natural Building Technologies - Developing the historic building tradition. Natural BuildingTechnologies Ltd, Tel:01491 63891I Fax:01491 638630 e-mail: info@natural-building.co.uk www.natural-building.co.uk 5
The seventeenth-century coal of arms above the west entrance to the Tower of London has been restored. The stone surfaces were cleaned and consolidated, missing elements on the unicorn were replaced by new carving, and a sacrificial protective shelter coal (sieved and graded sands and slonedusts bound with lime putty) was applied. The work was carried out by specialists St. Blaise. Next issueof Context The deadline for material for the next (December) issue of Context is 1 7 October. Contact editorial@ihbc.org.uk Powerof Place The government's response to English Heritage's report Pride of Place had not been received as Context went to press. The IHBC's reaction to it will be reported later. Cover photos Top left: Lime mortar course at BW' Heritage Skills Centre. Photo Mark Williamson. Top right: Volunteers clearing debris at Priestlands School. Bottom: Children using the Hackney Model. ©Hackney Building Exploratory. EnglishHeritageactiononfoot and mouthclear-up Historic farm buildings have been at the centre of the clean-up operation in the wake of foot and mouth disease. In Cumbria alone, 1200 farmsteads have been affected, of which around 300 involve listed buildings. The government's response has been to eliminate the disease through slaughter and disposal of carcasses, followed by disinfecting farm buildings and equipment. All farms that have had cases of the disease, or have been close to infected farms, are unable to function as businesses or re-stock with animals until they have been officially declared "clean" by officers from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFR, formerly MAFF). Damage to historic farm buildings has been caused as a result of the disinfecting process. In north west Cumbria, a small number of clay-built farm buildings have apparently been demolished because they were considered impossible to disinfect, a regrettable loss to this specialised group of vernacular buildings. Other buildings have had all their internal timbers removed and burned, again because at the time old timbers were considered incapable of cleaning. In other cases, cobble floors and yards have been removed or covered with concrete. Strong chemicals such as phosphoric acid have been used that will stain or cause salt damage to historic masonry and timbers. Damage has also been caused by pressure washing of fragile historic fabric such as clay or soft sandstone. In June, English Heritage produced a practical guidance document on 6 managing the cleaning and disinfecting of farm buildings, Gently Does It. This has been written by John Fidler, Steve Trow and Marion Barter and is available on the English Heritage website at www.englishheritage.org.uk. It contains guidance on consultation, details of nondamaging alternative treatments, such as lime-wash and citric acid, and lists of suppliers and contacts. Our first priority has been to ensure that the DEFRA officers are aware of which buildings are listed, partly through local authority databases and partly through our own database at the NMR. DEFRA has also been encouraged to appoint historic buildings consultants to provide inhouse advice on each case. This has worked very well in Cumbria, where Peter Messenger has been seconded from his post as Carlisle City Council's Conservation Officer to DEFRA and has co-ordinated their approach to historic buildings. Buried archaeology has also been under threat from DEFRA's operation, initially with the digging of pits for the disposal of animals and later from the digging of lagoons to take infected slurry and water. Again, the initial concern was that DEFRA was not aware of the archaeological implications of their operation, and a system has now been established to ensure that DEFRA consults the SMR in each area to enable alternative sites to be found, or for surface tanks to be provided on sensitive sites. The foot and mouth crisis has exposed the need for good quality Grade 11(armbuildings at Askerton Castle Farm, Cumbria during cleaning and disinfecting. Treatment of the cow byre interior included pressure washing of timber stalls and concreting over of cobble and earth floors. databases on all aspects of the historic environment. Some local authorities do not have GIS and still rely on paper records that are difficult to access. We are now more aware than ever that farm buildings are a vulnerable part of the historic environment and that not all buildings that deserve protection are listed. The crisis has also highlighted the very poor condition of many farm buildings; this will need to addressed if we are not to lose more. The issue of extra funding to help with repairs is likely to be included in discussions on the longterm future of farming and farm buildings, after foot and mouth disease has been eliminated. On a positive note, we have found that there is considerable appreciation of the value of historic farm buildings amongst the farming community and DEFRA officials, and our practical advice has been welcomed where it has been provided at the right time. Marion Barter, historic buildings inspector, English Heritage North West Region CONTEXT 71 SEPTEMBER 2001
Conferencre port JohnFowler:decoratingand restoringin a changingworld John Fowler (who died in 1977) is best known as half of Colfax and Fowler, responsible for the proliferation of traditional chintzes, faded rose patterns and over-stuffed sofas throughout many middle class homes in the late 20th century. Is he worthy of serious study? As many of the schemes of redecoration which he oversaw, both in private houses and for the National Trust, are being rapidly swept away by more archeologically correct reinstatement of earlier colours, should we be less cavalier about the historic importance of his early work and even of his 1960s and 1970s schemes? This joint EH/Traditional Paint Forum day conference ('Inspired by the Past: John Fowler's approach to decoration and restoration in a changing world', 4 July 2001) was an opportunity to consider these questions. It brought together specialists in paint research and interiors, as well as architect Peter Inskip, who was a frequent guest of Fowler at his weekend country house parties. This involved chauffeuring his host down via current projects such as Clandon House in Surrey and so gave him detailed insight into how design decisions were made. Inskip recalled that while Fowler did work on 19th century and even Lutyens' houses, his passion was for the 18th century. His interest in buildings such as the Queen Anne revival hall at Newnham College Cambridge was focussed on their interpretation of 18th century sources. Marianne Suhr (ex SPAB scholar and SPAB technical promotions officer) has been estate surveyor to Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire for the past four years and has been agonising over what to do with Fowler's paint scheme there which is failing and flaking off the walls. On first sight Kelmarsh ought to be the quintessential Fowler scheme, of maximum interest and influence. The James Gibbs building was leased by feisty American Nancy Tree in 1928. Out went the dark green walls, the droopy palm in the sawn off elephant foot, and in came fresh flowers, candles and a riot of soft furnishings (including tangerine velvet). The walls were painted an Italian pink and before long (as Nancy herself commented) "Kelmarsh pink went around the country like measles". Nancy CONTEXT 71 : SEPTEMBER 2001 subsequently parted company with Mr Tree, married the owner of Kelmarsh, and as Nancy Lancaster bought the decorating firm Sybil Colfax. She made John Fowler a partner and renamed the firm accordingly. However, it is not the 1928 scheme that exists today. It was overpainted in 1950. As well as commissioning top paint expert Ian Bristow (who also spoke at the conference), Suhr has tracked down the painter who did the work (stippled with a stiff bristled brush). However, her ingenious research has rather undermined her initial vision of Fowler and Lancaster working in close partnership on a pet project. In fact the two had a stormy relationship (described as "the unhappiest unmarried couple in England"), and from scrutiny of the local WI attendance records it appears that Nancy Lancaster was not in Northamptonshire as the work progressed. A decision as to what to do at Kelmarsh has yet to be made, but the research has been very thorough and can now be made with a much greater depth of understanding. So if Fowler-at-Kelmarsh has turned out to be less significant than at first thought, where are the most important examples of Fowler's oeuvre? The work he did for the National Trust was clearly widely seen by the visiting public, and frequently sparked professional controversy and debate (for instance the yellow walls and white painted balustrade at Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire). But as he was offering his services to the trust on a non - commercial basis, he apparently spent less time on these schemes, and certainly oversaw the work less closely. In many instances his work for the trust was to "pull the interiors together", often in houses which had been left with little or no original contents. This orchestration of textiles, objects and surfaces (designed to avoid a museum-like atmosphere) was undoubtedly highly influential, both in Britain and even more so in the US where Country house style ran riot (Louise Ward showed great slides of the over-thetop ruffles and cluttered 'tablescapes' of artfully arranged objects which made one long for a black bin liner and a quick return of modernism.) But this ensemble effect is incredibly difficult to preserve intact. The day was entertaining and provocative. The choice of examples meant that there was a concentration on the public interpretation of houses open to the public. Being explicit about the artifice of Fowler may be too exoteric a concept for many recreational country house visitors (and may restrict the interpretation of more important phases of a building's existence). But the papers certainly showed that he has had a profound effect on how we view the past and is part of an ongoing romantic and picturesque tradition. It also raised broader issues. Are there others whose interpretations of the past have now become historicised to the extent where we should be studying them in their own right? Have we emphasised change and modernity in the study of 20th century architecture and decorative arts, and missed important strands of continuity and tradition that have had as profound a social impact? Far from being fey or self indulgent, this refreshing conference focused its audience on fundamental concepts and inherent conflicts. 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8 CommunityandHeritage:the IHBC2002 AnnualSchool In partnership with British Waterways, 4-7 July at Warwick University and British Waterways Heritage Skills Centre, Hatton Locks. Day School: Friday 5 July lNSTJTl "TE IHBC and British Waterways are pleased to present an exciting School in July 2002. It will use a new format of two centres, Warwick University and British Waterways Hatton Locks, to offer parallel sessions and a packed programme. Delegates will be able to tailor the School to their own training and education needs. The 2001 School looked at setting standards in conservation. In 2002 we will explore how to translate these standards into action on the ground, how to work with the community to achieve this, and what lessons we can learn from the communities that constitute the United Kingdom and British Waterways Ireland in which we live and work. The School will look at both urban and rural examples of conservation with community liaison. Power of Place has encouraged a wider perspective on heritage and how it is perceived, so the School will explore the potential for building conservation to achieve integrated sustainability in respect of energy and nature conservation. In his keynote address Sir Neil Cossons will develop the ideas in Power of Place, and setting them in the context of one year on. British Waterways' Heritage Skills Centre at Hatton has been established to promote higher standards of practical conservation work. It offers training facilities in-house and to the wider community. The Hatton venue will offer delegates the opportunity to see conservation trades in action, with practical sessions and hands-on experience. Study tours will look at successful projects carried out in diverse communities working with ethnic groups, schools and the voluntary sector. There will be presentations from these groups as well as conservation professionals. The Day School on Friday 5 July will offer the usual packed programme for an intense learning experience, but for the first time the parallel session format will offer the opportunity to take a break from the 'classroom' for those day delegates who wish to benefit from the Hatton heritage skills project. Booking forms and a fuller programme will be available in the December issue of Context. The School will be popular, so make a, date in your diary now. For more information contact Jane Jackson, Schools Secretary on 01904 601973, schools@ihbc.org.uk CONTEXT 71 SEPTEMBER 2001
IHBCinRomania Tangibleevidenceof internationalco-operation One of the outcomes of the 2001 Annual School was that, following my talk, I was invited to speak on IHBC's role in UK conservation training, at the 10th annual TUSNAD International Conference in Romania. Rob Parkinson was also a speaker, and he, Dave Baxter and I travelled together. This conference was organised by our partners the Transylvania Trust, and both the conference and the associated visits were very special experiences. We saw the finished outcome of the ACTT project at the Bethlen Gabor College at Aiud, and the amazing challenge being taken on, even as I write this, at Bontida, where the current practical training modules (being run with IHBC input) involve putting a new roof on the former kitchen wing of the Banffy Castle. One of the most inspiring aspects of both the 'fusnad conference and the work we saw on site was the strong co-operation between Romanians and Hungarians, within and across borders. What started with the work of a group of enthusiasts at the Technical University of Cluj (and what a privilege it was to be hosted by Balint Szabo, Dorottya Makay, Csilla Hegedus and their colleagues), leading to the Tusnad conferences and the foundation of the Transylvania Trust, has now been reinforced at national level in 1999 through a cultural annexe (agreement) between Romania and Hungary. One of the special features of Transylvania is its variety of ethnic groups; I was concerned as an outsider at the risk that the trust with its strong Hungarian associations might be perceived as a "single interest" group. This was clearly not the case, and one of the many promising outcomes of the conference was the developing close cooperation between the Trust and Pro Patrimonio (the recently-formed Romanian counterpart to the National Trust, represented at the conference by Sherban Cantacuzino). Rob Parkinson, Dave Baxter and I saw some of the most tangible results of this international co-operation, at the former mining village of Rimetea. Rimetea lies high in the mountains to the south-west of Cluj-Napoca. It has delightful traditional buildings; the rigours of the climate are reflected in CONTEXT 71 SEPTEMBER 2001 The repaired I 749 house (with shingled roof) at Rimetia. Photo by John Preston. the characteristic log construction with an outer coat of daub and render. The only Ceausescu-vintage blemish is an apartment block built on a corner of the market place. Although clearly intended to disrupt the harmony of its setting, it could have been much worse. Rimetea also has the only reel stars and hammer and sickle we saw during the visit, marking a small and overgrown Russian military graveyard. Conservation work in the historic settlements of Rimetea and the Szeckler village of Inlaceni is being helped through a unique international partnership agreement in which the Vth District of Budapest (Belvaros Lipotvaros) provides annual funding, channelled through the Transylvania Trust. The District provides around $40,000 annually, of which 67-75% goes to Rimetea. The scheme has been running since 1996, and was awarded a Europa Nostra Medal in 1999. None of the 200 traditional buildings in Rimetea is listed, and the trust has had to convince owners that conservation is worthwhile. The scheme started in 1996 with the trust's committee making a list of all the potentially eligible properties, and inviting applications. The Trust manages the scheme, awarding the grants and providing a free technical advice service (including professional consulting, planning, and surveys), and ongoing research and recording. The main grant scheme (A) works on the basis of annual financial contributions towards maintenance and repairs of $80-100 per property, backed up by legal agreements. 140 properties (71 in the similar scheme in Inlaceni) have received grants, and another 50 are waiting to come into the Rimetea scheme. Ninety-seven per cent of the grant-aided properties fulfilled their obligation to preserve their architectural features, more than matching the scheme funds from their own resources. To quote the trust's annual report: "One of the major achievements is that the attitude of the owners towards their historic buildings has substantially changed through the years. Today the owners understand the necessity and importance of the maintenance of these buildings. ...... The state of the buildingensemble has spectacularly improved and the maintenance has become permanent. It was quite unexpected that restoration works on 111 buildings were completed in 2000, and in the case of 20 buildings this has meant substantial facade restorations " Scheme B is for emergency repairs and major repairs; Scheme C (10 per cent of the total) covers the Transylvania Trust's administrative expenses, and Scheme D is for the trust's own repair works on 9
The house for sale (at front) and the 1749 house (at the rear). Photo by John Preston. properties bought by the Vth District. We saw works almost complete on one log-built house; the craftsmen working on this had been trained last year on the ACTT Aiud project, and its fruits (and the impact of IHBC philosophy) could be seen in the "piecing-in" approach, where previously more fabric might have been replaced. A stone classical-style house on the corner of the Market Square, which had been condemned to demolition, was bought in 1998, and repairs are now well advanced. In 2000, the foundation bought two properties: one is a miner's house in very poor condition, dated 1668 and believed to be the oldest dated peasant house in the Carpathian Basin that is preserved on its original site. The other house, built in 1749, is "the only remaining example of a typical house from the ethnographical region of Rimetea". The Trust aims to open both houses to the public after restoration. The Trust has been carrying out a detailed inventory of architectural, structural, and ownership data for traditional buildings in Rimetea and elsewhere. The Rimetea surveys have been carried out during summer camps for architectural students, enabling 41 students to become familiar with vernacular architecture and monument preservation. The Trust has been carrying out a wider 's inventory has now been developed into a very impressive database, developed in partnership with Swiss colleagues, which was demonstrated at the Tusnad conference. This could provide a very useful model for UK use. The conservation programme has encouraged interest in Rimetea, and its potential as a tourist attraction. 13 grant-aided owners have now 10 obtained rural tourism licences; the owners of the one in which we stayed lived in the Ceausescu-vintage block, in a flat which was far more pleasant inside than the exterior or the stairway suggested (the food was excellent and the quantities vast - clearly geared to walkers' and climbers' appetites). Village facilities are fairly basic, with one (packed) cellar bar, resounding to the Doors and Joe Cocker (we had been promised Santana). New interest (both for tourism and second homes) can be a double-edged sword. While the success of the conservation programme is evident in the way the vast majority of Rimetea's houses retain their character, we also saw the impact of new money, insensitively applied. One house had been renewed to within an inch of its life, with hard textured render and security shutters to the windows; another was a classic example of the "tail wagging dog" syndrome, with the rear extension dominating the original building, and perhaps the most worrying was one where the owner had got permission for a garage, only to create a new two-storey building, leaving the original house crumbling away. While Csilla Hegedus was proud to show us the repaired 1749 house, which is set back on its plot, she told us the Trust's worries about the future of the later house continuing the range towards the road (the characteristic gable-end form). Its owner had recently died, and the property was for sale; the Trust had been given first offer, but could not afford the purchase. If the building were bought by an insensitive owner, this would put at risk all the Trust had invested in purchasing and repairing the 1749 house (and the plans to open it to the public), and the potential for appropriate refurbishment of the outbuildings. The sale price for the front house turned out to be the princely sum of £2,500. We were lucky to have the IHBC treasurer on the spot, and he suggested that the Institute might be able to foot the bill. Dave Baxter and I enthusiastically endorsed the idea, and the more we thought about it, the better it seemed. Aside from helping our partner Trust in its hour of need, the house would be a tangible and visible sign of IHBC's commitment to this growing and inspirational example of international co-operation; in more practical terms, the house could be used as a base for training scholarships (particularly for craft training), as well as offering potential for IHBC members to stay (so giving scope for the wider IHBC membership to have access to the fruits of what has until now been a West Midlands Branch project). With the property abutting the Trust's house, and the Trust on the spot to manage and provide professional expertise as needed, we had none of the usual worries about a possible purchase of a property in a foreign country. And, as I said, the sum required was no more than my annual education committee budget. We sought IHBC Council's approval for the idea at its June meeting. Concerns were expressed about possible expenditure abroad when support was needed for craft training in the UK, as well as the possible implications of purchasing a property, and the need to involve the wider membership. Council agreed to increase the Romania budget by £3,500, to secure funding for the cottage through either purchase or a grant to the Trust. Subsequent exploration of the possible purchase raised a series of matters of principle, procedure, and practicality which needed further consideration before the Institute could take the major step of purchasing a property in a foreign country. At the July Council meeting, it was agreed that the funding should be provided to the Transylvania Trust as a grant. The Trust has now bought the property. While the IHBC will not have quite as visible a stake in Rimetea as seemed possible when Rob had his inspiration, we will have achieved something very special with a very modest outlay. John Preston, IHBC education secretary CONTEXT 71 SEPTEMBER 2001
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LONDON2001 ANNUALSCHOOLREPORT Settingstandardsfor conservation JohnPrestonreports,with contributionsfrom JonFinney,CatherineCroft andPeterLongman. This report follows the article in Context 69 in which John Preston gave his first impressions of the IHBC School. Thursday:settingthe scene The IHBC's first London School, sponsored by William Thatch Ltd, started in characteristic April weather, with early arrivals getting decidedly damp on the walking tours led by Jon Finney and David McDonald around the Kings Cross-St Pancras area. The Thursday afternoon's two speakers were Andrew Saint and Phillip Davies, respectively exploring what is special about London's architectural history, and looking at current issues facing the capital in the context of wider political and strategic pressures. Andrew Saint was a historian at the GLC, before running the English Heritage London Region historians team. He is now professor of architectural history at Cambridge University. As a historian he criticised the way in which historical argument and historical precedent are rarely drawn on to inform current conservation debate, which he believes is because our "understanding of urban history is skin deep". Saint relishes the way in which London is open to multiple interpretations. To a large extent, it remains a city of major monuments with "dross" (sometimes fascinating dross) in between. Pointing out that it was not until Rasmussen and Summerson sang its praises that the flexible format of the Georgian 0/ 1\9\n .. L\ NGI.D~N 1$ ~X(.l'if\N~ J \\ ~l ---::•.\ I .. .z -.--=-- c_,.,. CONTEXT 71 : SEPTEMBER 2001 terrace house was cherished, Saint believes that this building type is now over-listed in London. In his view many terraced houses would be more appropriately given conservation area status only, and the respect and attention they are given detracts from the merit of later suburban housing, which eliminated the narrow frontage and standard footprint with back extension. Saint suggested that the Georgian terrace has become such an icon because intellectuals are frightened of the semi's symbolisation of suburban morality. Trying to redress this balance, Saint showed slides of outer London boroughs, and enthused about the scale and texture of suburban architecture and planning. His claim that "Hillingdon is exciting" was intended to provoke as much as his comments on listing, as was his insistence on the importance of building regulations and codes because "a common regime is critical to good architecture and distinctive cities". Defining what is distinctive about London is no easy task. Saint pointed out that the old LCC area has a greater coherence than what is now Greater London, and the sense of identity of London has suffered by not being clear where its boundaries should be drawn. Many recent projects (for instance the Dome and the Wheel) have been isolated stimuli reflecting a post- modern view of the city as a series of distinct experiences. In the face of pressure particularly from new high rise development, Saint urged conservation officers to "stand up for the ordinary". Philip Davies, head of English Heritage London Region, has been closely involved in considering both individual applications for high buildings, and developing a strategic approach. He emphasised that change involves making choices and that there are many directions in which we could choose to go, and different future cities which would result. He reminded us that London is a city of extremes, economically and ethnically diverse, and that successful management of our environment means drawing the right balance between continuity and THE INSTITUTE OF HISTORIC BUILDING CONSERVATION A/t,/t,/Ml,[Sc/wo{ 2001 change. He illustrated this with high profile projects including Somerset House and the highly controversial British Museum Great Court scheme. Moving on to to practicalities, Davies reminded us that EH still retains power of direction over listed building consent cases in the capital, although all except grade I and I* buildings, substantial demolitions and some building types (including theatres and transport buildings) are fully delegated to the boroughs, where EH is part funding 39 conservation officer posts. He emphasised the need for close coordination with bodies such as the GLA and CABE to create "joined-up thinking". Looking at London in a global context has helped create perspective. Davies suggested that if Paris is the City of Light and Rome is the Eternal City, London should be seen as the Green City, meaning not that we are especially environmentally sensitive but that we have a rich mix of parks and gardens. To reinforce this English Heritage has produced a map of pedestrian routes through London. They are also seeking to educate and influence DETR traffic engineers and other regeneration professionals. Making sure both conservation and good new design are high on everyone's agendas was a good message to hear but achieving results is not going to be easy. Even at this initial session some of the obstacles became clear. How English Heritage will coordinate with CABE is one issue. 13
How we can inspire architects if the best examples we can point to include Quinlan Terry's Richmond Riverside is another. "Architects should be more up for criticising one another, and also be able to take criticism" was Andrew Saint's recommendation. Questions from the floor highlighted the need to attract highcalibre individuals to work in urban design. There is a shortage of good candidates for London jobs, with the same individuals circulating between boroughs. The answer to this one seems simple: more money and more influence would increase job satisfaction. Will increasing Cabinetstyle local government allow this? Friday: sustainable conservation - places and people The Friday talks and visits focused on issues raised in Power of Place, particularly in relation to design quality (of buildings and streets) and community involvement. The afternoon walks organised by IHBC London Branch members illustrated issues and good practice. In the first talk on the Friday, Jon Rouse, chief executive of CABE, noted that while Power of Place might loom large for his audience, we should not delude ourselves into believing that it was a major document that was being talked about all around Whitehall. Nobody Jon had seen would have mentioned it to him if he had not raised it. The government had other agendas, and the built heritage would have to fight to be heard. He contrasted this situation with that of CABE which, being (unlike English Heritage) cosponsored by the DETR (now the DTLR), has a direct entree into government housing, construction and social inclusion agendas. He felt that Best Value could be the main lever to change resource allocation, and that the built environment needs to be brought up the Best Value agenda. 14 Jon explained how CABE planned to commission research on the value of good design. Quality places need quality buildings, which meant in turn world-quality architects, and he suggested that there should be a design champion in every local authority. PPG 1 should be revised, for at the moment it was difficult for a local authority to turn down a mediocre scheme on architectural grounds. As far as conservation was concerned, there seemed to be a good relationship and an agreement with English Heritage, although this might be tested in the joint policy on tall buildings. But Rouse saw the historic environment and the creation of heritage as a continuum. Some of his audience were struck by the lack of reference to quality of changes to the existing built environment, and by his rapid departure to a meeting of the Urban Design Skills Working Group, a body to which IHBC has not been invited. Rosemarie MacQueen of Westminster City Council gave another view of the tall buildings controversy. EDAW Consultants had been asked to advise the council on the issue. In her view, Westminster was already a world city and did not need new tall buildings, and there were very few potential sites. Paddington is now the only safety valve for expansion. But a tall building by a signature architect was not enough to buy a planning consent. David March from the Corporation of London brought us back down to ground level with his talk on street scene challenges. The City needs to remain attractive to visitors and to businesses and, in a fascinating and well-illustrated talk, he discussed the elements that had contributed to its character. These included eighteenth-century paving with Purbeck stone, and he outlined the 1996 guidance on paving which covered colour, material, guide-rails, seating, bollards and setts, and issues like delineating pavements where there are raised carriageways. A Streetscape Challenge Fund of£ 1 million was producing 50 per cent contributions for projects. The City's Queen Street Project covered the area from Guildhall to Southwark Bridge: eleven consultants had been invited to present proposals, and three had been selected with awards of £5,000 each. The 'ring of steel' around the City had encouraged better management of traffic, but it was important to work to very high standards and good budgets, and to avoid the tendency to over-design and over-do health and safety issues. David March had some key messages on implementation ("you cannot rely on informal networks to get good schemes: you must establish good processes, with sufficient resources and the right range of skills"). Involving communities Dickon Robinson of the Peabody Trust (and a CABE commissioner) spoke about the trust's innovative approach to new developments (mixed uses, high quality assertive design - "no doubt that there is a new building, and that somebody has thought about it"). He set out five challenges. We need to be more selective about what we conserve. We should be deleting some 'boring' seventeenth- and eighteenth-century things from listings as we add late twentieth century stuff. Some serious compromises would be needed if we are to maintain sustainability. We should be wary about declaring more conservation areas as that devalues existing ones. Finally, post-war social housing, which often comprises 30-50 per cent of central districts, needs interpreting and some criteria set so that one can recognise the really important examples. CONTEXT 71 : SEPTEMBER 2001
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