Protecting the Past from the Present — Conservation Ethics in Practice

Abstract

The fundamental duty of conservation is to preserve surviving materials and the evidence they contain. Thus conservation should accorded a higher priority than commercial, economic, legal, and aesthetic factors, but in the real world it is these influences that usually drive or constrain what is perceived to be possible and practical, sometimes with serious consequences. This paper explores through case studies how ethical conservation can be delivered within a sometimes hostile environment, identifies some of the factors critical to making this happen, and suggests a role for the Newcomen Society.

Keywords:

• ethics
• conservation
• restoration
• professionals
• contractors
• volunteers
• significance

Notes

1. ‘Recommendation R(90)20 on the protection and conservation of the industrial, technical and civil engineering heritage of Europe’ adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 13 September 1990 at the 443rd meeting of the Minister’s Deputies, Council of Europe.

2. BS 7913: Guide to the Conservation of Historic Buildings (British Standards Institute, 2014).

3. D. Bell, Guide to International Conservation Charters (Historic Scotland, 1997).

4. ‘Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance, 2008’ (English Heritage, 2008)

5. Douglas Kent (SPAB Technical Officer), ‘Conservative Repair’ in Building Conservation Directory (Cathedral Communications, 2011).

6. ‘Conservation is based upon a respect for the existing fabric and should involve the least possible physical intervention’, Burra Charter (Australian ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance), 1979.

7. Nick A. D. Molyneux, Conservation Bulletin, 60 (English Heritage, 2009), p. 29.

8. ‘Conservation should involve the greatest respect for, and involve the least possible loss of material of cultural heritage value’, New Zealand Charter, 1992 (4iii).

9. ‘The use of reversible processes is always to be preferred to allow the widest options for future development or the correction of unforeseen problems, or where the integrity of the resource could be affected’, The Appelton Charter, 1983 (D).

10. ‘Replacements of missing parts must […] be distinguishable from the original so that restoration does not falsify the artistic or historic evidence’, Venice Charter, 1964 (12).

11. I assisted in the restoration of Crofton’s two beam engines from 1969–73 whilst an apprentice in the aircraft industry. Inspired by my volunteering experience, I changed career to that of professional engineering conservator which I have enjoyed for four decades. My volunteering at Crofton ended in 1974, and on returning as a visitor in 2007 I was shocked to find dramatic changes had taken place, some unnecessarily intrusive.

12. Sir Neil Cossons, The Antiquaries’ Journal, 87 (The Society of Antiquaries of London, September 2007), 1–52.

13. My persistent approaches to the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Council and local Crofton Branch management resulted in my being ‘banned’ from attending the site in 2009. However, following organizational changes within the Trust, I now serve on the Crofton Partnership which oversees the development of strategy for the site’s future.

14. G. J. O. Wallis, ‘Bembridge Windmill, Feasibility of Operation’, report, June 2011.

15. G. J. O. Wallis, ‘Houghton Mill, South Stones Motorisation Feasibility Study’, report, November 2010.

16. The author was one of the founders of Dorothea Restorations Ltd in 1974, served as a Director for over three decades and retired as MD in 2007 since when he has acted as an independent consultant. Dorothea Restorations is run by the author’s son, John.

17. G. J. O. Wallis, ‘Elsecar Heritage Centre, Newcomen Engine and Shaft’, report, October 2011.