Well-informed changes celebrate what is special
MODERN conservation philosophy is grounded in the reactions of figures such as William Morris and John Ruskin against the Restoration Movement of the late Victorian period.
This Movement saw architects ‘restoring’ buildings such as churches and cathedrals to an imagined former glory, irreparably changing them into something they never were.
I have been reacquainting myself with a guidance note from my own professional institution, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
This particular document on the conservation of built heritage makes a statement that, while nose deep in its pages struck a chord. It considers alterations to be undesirable even where a use leaves the building almost intact but causes such visual interferences as to erode and obscure its character.
A ten-minute wander from home takes me past two detached 1930s houses, sat side-by-side in one of Cheltenham’s conservation areas, Pittville. The character appraisal for this area highlights the style of the buildings and the use of quality building materials as components of its special interest. The twins were almost identical, adorably adorned with plain tiles on hipped roofs and roughcast render, and are classic of the 1930s period.
Planning permission was granted for one of these characterful houses to undergo refurbishment and has now almost lost any trace of its 1930s origins. But more than this, the craftsmanship invested in this original house has been almost entirely lost, lacking in texture and personality. Craftsmanship is something to retain and celebrate. It represents a massive investment of time and resources to create something special.
We can also see it in the furniture adorning our buildings, such as church pews. Indeed some pews are particularly special. An example of this can be seen in a church in whose choir I sang as a child and a teen. St Philip’s and St James’ in Leckhampton is Grade II*, meaning it is more than special interest – a category in which only 5.5 per cent of listed buildings belong.
‘Pip and Jim’ is considered particularly special due to its architecture, architects, historic interest, interior, decorative embellishments and group value.
And what about the contribution of the pews to this ‘more than’ special interest? The pews are highlighted in the listing as being part of the decoration produced by H H Martyn, internationally renowned craftspeople. While sitting in this church as I was growing up it never dawned on me that I was sitting in oak crafted by those who were renowned on such an enormous scale.
Does this mean we cannot create change in our buildings? No, it is essential for our buildings to evolve as their users needs evolve. However, it is crucial for us to manage that process of change.
We must take care to reflect on our buildings and their value, beyond superficial considerations to ensure we retain their charisma, charm and special interest. Not just for the present generations but for the future ones.
To paraphrase Sir Isaac Newton, we see further by standing on the shoulders of giants – we must learn from the misplaced enthusiasm of the Victorian Restoration Movement to avoid endangering the significance of our buildings through misdirected change. Let us make well-informed change to celebrate what is special, enhancing features through appropriate alterations. Dr Samantha Organ Senior lecturer in building surveying, University of the West of England