The 2013 Gus Astley Student Award from The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) will be judged by the noted architectural historian, writer and presenter, and former architectural editor of Country Life, Jeremy Musson.
IHBC Chair Mike Brown said: It’s great to have such a prominent and well respected author in place for the IHBC’s current student award, not least as he is perfectly placed to appreciate the full breadth of our submissions. These range from the scholarly studies that no doubt will make their way into our journal Context or other respected publications, to technical skills in architectural drawings, planning and design proposals for heritage sensitive areas.’
‘We’re delighted to have Jeremy in place for 2013, adding his special perspective to the process, and look forward to welcoming him to our Annual School in Edinburgh in June 2014 to present the award to the winning student!’
Jeremy Musson said: ‘I am really delighted to be asked to be a judge for the IHBC awards; it is absolutely vital to encourage and inspire a new generation in the conservation field and for their ideas to help enlighten and inspire those of us who have been working in the field for some time – I see these awards as doing just that.’
IHBC Education secretary David McDonald said: ‘Every year the scope and depth of the winning submissions is underpinned by the quality of the judge. They are personally responsible for selecting the winner, and with such a broad range of skills, erudition and ambition on offer, it is never easy.’
‘With a career that extends from the Victorian Society and the National Trust to serving as author and editor to Country Life and beyond, Jeremy’s huge experience of history, heritage and conservation will stand in him good stead when reviewing and selecting his choice in the 2013 Awards’.
Bob Kindred MBE, IHBC Education Committee Vice Chair and Trustee of the Gus Astley Fund, which supports the Award, said: ‘Jeremy’s role as judge marks an important shift in the profile we can give to this essential conservation award. The winner, and other successful students, will receive their awards at the IHBC’s 2014 School in Edinburgh, which will take place over 5-7 June. Offering these fortunate students a place at the School is perhaps one of the best ways for us to help out, while the prize serves as the first incentive to participate.’
Jeremy Musson’s lead publications include: English Country House Interiors (Rizzoli, 2011); Up and Down stairs: the history of the country house servant (John Murray, 2009; paperback 2010); English Ruins(Merrell, 2011); The Country Houses of Sir John Vanbrugh (Aurum, 2008); How to Read A Country House(Ebury, 2006); The English Manor House (Aurum, 1999, paperback 2007); Plasterwork (Aurum, 2000).
His public committees and trusteeships, past and present, include roles with: Country House Foundation; Stowe Mansion Preservation Trust; Moggerhanger House Preservation Trust; Trustee, Ely Cathedral Fabric Advisory Committee; Friends of Kettles’ Yard Committee; Buildings Book Trust (funding Pevsner/Yale series); Churches Conservation Trust (Peer Review Panel); Council for the Care of Churches (CCC) & the Victorian Society.
To find out more about more about the IHBC’s Annual Gus Astley Student Award see the links at: http://gasa.ihbc.org.uk/
To see the announcement of the increased prize for the 2014 Award go to: LINK
To find out more about the IHBC’s Annual Schools see: LINK
