The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) has offered its congratulations to the UK Association of Building Preservation Trusts (APT) for progress on their HLF-funded film project on the people working in Building Preservation Trust (BPT) projects, ‘In perspectives’, which is described by the institute as ‘compulsory, and enjoyable, CPD for the wider world’.
James Moir, APT Director and IHBC member, said: ‘Building Preservation Trusts (BPTs) are often so immersed in their projects that they don’t have a lot of time to tell the rest of the world about the huge social, cultural and environmental benefits they bring, never mind how their work is directly addressing the needs of statutory agencies to tackle Heritage at Risk.’
‘I think the range of voices featured here demonstrates the magic and passion that are generated when professionals and volunteers work together with mutual respect, and how new partnerships are emerging to provide inspirational solutions for problem buildings.’
Bob Kindred, IHBC’s Education Vice Chair and UK APT link, said: ‘We’ve all been most impressed by the range and depth of the films in the project, not least a sterling performance by IHBC member Steve Beckett, conservation officer for South Norfolk DC. Covering the UK as whole, and with more films to come, these demonstrate perfectly just how each person involved marries personal enthusiasm to a firm spirit, characteristics that go into every successful BPT project!’
‘The APT’s work here is just about the most valuable record of the UK’s community conservation network we’ve seen recently, and a further demonstration of why so many countries look to the UK to see just how local conservation can be done, dusted and delivered: at least when it has the right support, structures and understanding.’
‘Indeed these wonderful vignettes are also a sobering reminder of the complex threads that go into local, voluntary heritage conservation. Local government infrastructure, targeted funding and skilled operatives are all critical to success, and that’s why we think it’s so important that funders, policy makers and politicians take on board the lessons and messages here. ‘Compulsory CPD for the wider world’ I think!’
James Moir offers further updates on the project as follows:
There are 26 films up on the site already, and these give a good flavour in profiling the kind of work undertaken. They showcase the huge diversity of people involved and demonstrate the commitment and passion that sustains the BPT movement; they are a celebration too of the fantastic range of projects being undertaken, from a medieval thatched pub through to a World War II training installation, and include inspirational projects such as Gartnavel Hospital, winner of the National Lottery Award for Heritage – a massive achievement by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust.
I travelled some 2,000 miles with Garry Brown, who deserves a Heritage Angel’s Award having done such an amazing job filming and editing – courtesy of the Media Trust who are an invaluable resource for putting organisations and individuals in touch with each other.
We have at least another 30 interviews to add! We’d also like you to continue with what’s been started – Birmingham Conservation Trust for example produced their own interview with their volunteer, Barbara – and there will soon be a facility on site to upload your own material.
The ‘In Perspective’ project has also led to a fruitful partnership with the Digital Building Heritage Group at De Montfort University, who have surveyed Court Farm at Pembrey and will be turning their scans into some powerful 3D interpretation tools.
See Conservation Officer and IHBC member Steve Beckett at: LINK
See Gill Stewart, Senior Project Development Officer for Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, on the refurbishment of Gartnavel Royal Hospital Chapel and how they’ve adapted the building to fit Cancer Support Scotland’s needs, a project that won the National Lottery Award for Heritage, at: LINK
UK APT Article: LINK
