Conserving War Memorials: Inscriptions on Stone

Revised copy of previous version (2021).

This technical advice note describes good practice for conserving inscriptions on stone war memorials, outlining a step-by-step approach to aid decision making on whether any intervention is necessary and the range of techniques available. It includes where to get further help.

This guidance is intended for those designing, specifying and undertaking conservation and repair work to war memorials, such as architects, building surveyors, project managers, contractors, craftspeople and conservators. It will also be of interest to those responsible for decisions such as local authority staff including conservation officers and custodians, parish or volunteer groups.

This technical advice note forms part of a series of resources produced by Historic England. The series covers the overall approach to caring for war memorials and also some of the more poorly understood technical aspects. These include:

  • guidance on how to record, repair, conserve, maintain and protect these unique monuments for future generations
  • short technical advice notes covering inscriptions, structural problems, and repairs and maintenance
  • case studies on conservation options for specific war memorial issues
  • videos on technical aspects of war memorial conservation.

Contents

  • Introduction
  • Types of inscriptions
  • Loss of legibility
  • Assessing condition and conservation need
  • Practical conservation
  • Further reading
  • Where to get advice
  • Acknowledgements

Additional Information

  • Series: Guidance
  • Publication Status: Completed
  • Pages: 33
  • Product Code: HEAG274

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