Since its foundation in 1877 the SPAB has amassed a substantial archive of documents and images relating to the Society and its work. The majority of material in this unique collection was generated through casework and campaigning, but the archive also includes records of awards, projects, legislation, research, grants, education, committees, publications and advice.
The documents illustrate the evolution of conservation policy and practice in this country from the late nineteenth century – which was strongly influenced by the SPAB – and the role of key figures such as designer William Morris and architect Philip Webb and others closely associated with the foundation of the Society in 1877.
The collection is especially relevant to those with a local or professional interest in historic buildings or places and how these have changed during the Society’s lifetime. It is one of the oldest collections of material in the UK dedicated to buildings conservation.
Our archive, in the basement of a Georgian townhouse, presents environmental challenges. The Records at Risk grant will fund new standards-compliant cupboards and shelving in a more suitable area of our building for the section of the archive currently most under threat. This comprises important material from the early years of the SPAB, including files on key campaigns, letters from notable historical figures as well as drawings and photographs.
SPAB Chief Executive Matthew Slocombe says: 'The SPAB’s archive holds an unparalleled record of the story of building conservation in the UK. The Records at Risk grant will be invaluable in supporting the care and maintenance of our key early records – we are extremely grateful'.
This grant of £5,000 for Records at Risk fund is timely and gratefully received. Once the new cupboards are built, we can begin a programme of conservation of the documents, safe in the knowledge they will be appropriately stored in a suitable environment.
See SPAB Archive and The National Archives
Image: Icehouse sketch from the SPAB Archive, © SPAB