Long time, no blog

Posted on March 24, 2016

It’s been a while since my last post and for no good reason. Therefore (drumroll please), I plan to start it up again. I have remembered my username and password and sorted out my header picture after it randomly turned into a grey box.

Are you ready? Then I’ll begin.

There are loads of things I can talk about – a lot of developments in the heritage sector and I have been to many exciting places. One thing that sticks out is a family discussion I had at the weekend – the reconstruction of the keep at Matrera Castle in Spain. One family member liked it and made the valid point that the original building was as blunt and dominating as the reconstructed walls. I am, however, not completely convinced.

News report: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/09/matrera-castle-cadiz-spain-restoration-mocked

Firstly I think we should be grateful that the motive behind it was to conserve the tower after it was damaged. Also it’s positive that it has caused an outcry and debate. A much worse fate is that no one cares and it is lost completely. What is more difficult to determine is what is the correct response to its conservation needs and there is of course no correct answer. You will never reach a consensus as mixing the 21^st Century with the past is a fraught process.

There are however great examples of where sensitive construction can enhance a historical site’s significance and should be used as inspiration. Below I have listed some that I particularly like for their design and how they have led to continued use of a historic building. A used building is one that will not suffer neglect!

1) British Museum’s Great Court. Ok, the building was never not going to be underused but the addition of the roof over the court has a created a great space that is always buzzing with people whenever I go.

2) Attingham Park’s new roof. Clearly I have a thing for glass ceilings but the National Trust has built a new roof over the original curved cast iron one by John Nash that is cutting edge and sensitively done.

3) Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester. In a converted red brick school building previously vacant with an extension covering the trench where the king was found, it’s a great visit as well as an asset to the local area.

Another list could be modern buildings built in historic significant sites, Chedworth Roman Villa, being a great example of a new standalone building that greatly enhances the visitor’s understanding of the site while preserving the delicate mosaics. But let’s leave that can of worms for another post. 🙂

Angharad x