The new issue of Context, the journal of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is now out, and looks at the heritage of leisure.
IHBC’s Editorial Board Chair and Projects Officer Fiona Newton, said: ‘The heritage of leisure is especially vulnerable because tastes change and technologies evolve. Theatres, for example, have to compete with new forms of entertainment and leisure activity, so the risk is that, even if a theatre building escapes destruction, it might at first seem incapable of ever being returned to full working life.’
‘To help our members respond to these challenges, in this issue Mark Price explains what needs to be done to make the adaptive conservation of theatres possible, and tells of some sleeping beauties that have been reawakened, exerting their charms once more.’
‘In other areas we see Anya Chapman describe the seaside amusement arcade. Exhilaratingly tacky, and a delightful manifestation of popular culture, these arcades have faced problems of a poor public image, and when not cared for can often develop a reputation for anti-social behaviour and low-level criminality; indeed it is interesting that no amusement arcade is listed.’
‘Paul Ainsworth looks at pubs and explains how Glasgow’s Lauriston Bar is perhaps the most intact 1960s pub still existing. It should survive if the customers and the brewery appreciate its very special values.’
‘Themed issues of Context also include more general conservation articles as well as news, book reviews and reports from IHBC’s officers.’
Forthcoming Context themes include the Coast and the IHBC’s 2013 Annual School on Skills, in Carlisle on 20-22 June.
If you have any suggestions for articles or other material contact Fiona Newton at: editorial@ihbc.org.uk
For information on Context’s future issues, guidance for authors, and links to the journal’s archives, see: LINK
