English Heritage undertakes strategic research to better understand risks to the built environment and technical means to conserve it. Much of this is carried out in partnership with other organisations or academic institutions, which provide complementary expertise and analytical resources.
Research agendas are formulated as part of English Heritage's corporate plan, which identify areas of strategic need. In terms of technical research, the prevailing themes are:
- measuring threat: studying the reasons for risk and devising responses
- keeping it safe: protection and conservation
The best method of conservation and repair of historic buildings is usually to use traditional materials, compatible with those of the historic structure. Over the course of the 20th century radical changes have occurred in the extraction, production and supply of traditional materials.
Local or regional sources have been supplanted by foreign ones. This presents ever-changing challenges in sourcing and specifying suitable materials for repair. In addition, some natural materials exploited over the centuries are particularly prone to failure, for example, the ‘problem stones’. Identifying the respective mechanisms that cause deterioration is essential for their conservation. These issues are addressed through strategic material research.
The objective of these investigations is to better characterise desirable properties of materials for historic building repair and to identify and promote the production of reliable sources. Some less conventional treatments, such as the conservation of ruins, require the development of innovative, more efficient and cost-effective materials and methods for maintenance and repair.
Research takes the form of:
- analysis of materials used in the past, chacterisation of properties desirable of new ones and identification of potential sources
- survey of traditional natural sources of materials in England
- analysis of problematical materials and environmental monitoring in buildings
- laboratory and field testing of new materials and techniques
English Heritage disseminates the results of its research through professional conferences, academic publications and practical guidance to affect positive changes in the management of the built environment.
For further information on the technical conservation research of English Heritage, contact:
The Conservation Department
English Heritage
The Engine House
Fire Fly Avenue
Swindon SN2 2EH
