2 Secretary’s Notes The Coalition Government has stopped the expansion of airports, and the dreaded HIPs are history – but there is much else to do.
3-7 In and Around/News Briefing SPAB’s acclaimed Faith in Maintenance project receives major European culture award; new government planning guidance for the historic environment comes silently into force; conservation and repair at little-known Pre-Raphaelite English church in Florence, linked to the early SPAB; James Innerdale’s cartoon, page 9.
8-9 Philip Webb Award The Society’s prestigious prize for young architects has been awarded to a scheme to regenerate an Art Deco lido. Rachel Bower reports.
12-23 Casework All eyes on Ely Cathedral; Lewis Carroll church; life stirs at a mansion ruin in Wales; a question of render in Cumbria; Thorington’s old chimney; the last of ancient Hanwell; Powell’s School – a fine place for a school, surely?
25-27 Back to the Battle Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. As the SPAB receives a major award in the city, Philip Venning tells of the saving of the ancient church, a very early concern for the SPAB which involved its novelist member, Thomas Hardy.
24-27 Georgian tower trouble An extraordinary series of medieval defensive structures still punctuates villages high in the Caucus mountains. Clementine Cecil and Tea Topuria report on fears that many of them could be crumbling away, despite warnings.
COVER STORY 30-35 Gnomon conquest George White sheds light on the sundial – reminding us that for centuries they were a key part of daily life.
36-39 My Renaissance mansion SPAB member Jim Parton explains why he’s so pleased he chose a major repair and conservation project in the former German region of Silesia, now Poland, rather than a sensible small house.
40-41 Burma shame A ‘Cornerstone’ reader’s recent photographs of a temple complex in Myanmar, formerly Burma, suggest that the destruction of the nation’s heritage may be more widespread than feared. Robin Stummer reports.
46-47 Time travellers The Victorian silver workshops of JW Evans, a precious relic from Britain’s industrial past, is one of English Heritage’s most challenging acquisitions. Former SPAB Scholars, now members of the Society’s Dance Scholarship Trust, were given a tour of the building – among them Chloe Maher.
67 Technical Q&A Douglas Kent's the SPAB’s Technical Secretary, reveals the best ways to care for old timber floors.
51-53 Silas may be golden An inner-city church in central London has become a testing ground for the latest energy-saving technology. Daniel Goldberg and Simon McCormack report on a scheme that may set the pattern across the country.
56-57 Farewell to the old House Sir Patrick Cormack has been one of the SPAB’s most treasured friends. After 40 years as an MP, he left the Commons just before the General Election. A passionate supporter of the arts and heritage, Sir Patrick looks back on a career rich in campaigning for culture in all its forms.
64-67 Books Ara Güler is one of the 20th century’s great photographers. Now in his eighties, a new book focuses on his classic work in his native Istanbul –much of which features historic buildings and streets which are themselves now history; Jeremy Musson’s country house servants; the Prince’s Trust Green Guide.
68 Architecture in Art The first printed, accurate, city map in northern Europe.
