An Introduction to Architectural Conservation

Foreword

by Peter Bell

“These old buildings do not belong to us only; … they have belonged to our forefathers and they will belong to our descendants unless we play them false. They are not … our property, to do as we like with. We are only trustees for those that come after us.”

Words spoken by William Morris in 1889 which resonate in the development of conservation philosophy throughout the twentieth century and the conservation movement of today.

Whether we recognise it or not, architectural heritage plays an important role in our national identity, our cultural consciousness and in the quality of our lives. We value buildings for different reasons, some of which are very personal: sentiment, pride, nostalgia, antiquarianism, patriotism ...