Stone Conservation: Principles and Practice

Winner of the RIBA Book Award, this important and timely publication brings together contributions from leading stone conservation practitioners. It discusses the philosophical principles on which stone conservation is founded and the need to understand the full history and development of a building before starting work. Other topics covered in this book include consolidation, cleaning, and the replacement of stone; conservation of different stone types, including limestone, sandstone, and marble; problems of dealing with polychrome stone; and finally, issues relating to church monuments and graveyards, taking account of the need for good maintenance and health and safety requirements. The book is illustrated with the authors' own examples of stone conservation in practice. Architects, surveyors and craftsmen involved in the conservation of stone structures will find this both a practical and useful reference work.

Table of Contents:
Foreword John Ashurst; Introduction Alison Henry; The historical context Peter Burman and Michael Drury; Restoration versus conservation Michael Drury; The role of archaeology Jerry Sampson; Principles and practice Nicholas Durnan and Colin Muir; Sourcing and selection of stone for repair Ewan Hyslop; Consolidation Clifford Price; Cleaning techniques Kyle C Normandin and Deborah Slaton; Limestone Nicholas Durnan; Sandstone Colin Muir; Marble Jonathan Kemp; Polychrome stone Christopher Weeks; Church monuments David Carrington; Graveyard memorials Chris Daniels; Index.

About the Author :
Alison Henry BSc Hons, Dip Arch Cons, PGDip Arch Stone Cons, IHBC. Alison combines her role as Historic Buildings Advisor at South Somerset District Council with running a stone conservation practice. She worked on the conservation of the West Front of Salisbury Cathedral and now specializes in church conservation in Dorset and Somerset. Alison is also a part-time lecturer in conservation at Weymouth College and a member and former chair of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation's Technical sub-committee.

Review :
This is an inspired publication: every chapter has its own author or co-authors enabling a high level of expertise to be maintained on a diverse series of related subjects dealing with almost every aspect of stone conservation. Cornerstone, SPAB At last, after over 30 years since the first proper training in stone conservation began to appear, we have a book written by a number of specialists that comprehensively covers the subject. Of the 14 chapters the first 5 deal, not only with past history, but explain the necessity for research and investigation into what is being proposed, and the effects that hasty action may cause. As knowledge has increased on the practical side, so has the understanding that as much if not more importance must be given to the 'before' action phase. Gone are the days when 'cut out and replace' was the usual cry. This is an excellent book and Donhead are to be congratulated on publishing it. For all those connected in any way with stone whether professionally or practically it should be required reading. Journal of Architectural Conservation Thanks to the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm of the contributors, this is a truly excellent book. It is comprehensive in its scope and thorough in its detail. Context Though specialised, the authors and editor have kept the writing comprehensible to the layman, which makes it ideal as an introduction to the topic - especially for students and apprentices. Building Engineer Compact and tightly-written, this book covers many aspects of stone conservation in a concise, clear manner, without being mannered or jargon-laden. The honest and open style of this volume offers sound practical advice and information for expert and novice alike. It should be on the bookshelves of masonry apprentices, students of conservation and all those currently involved in and aspiring to be the custodians of our built heritage. Institute of Conservation News