Conserving War Memorials Cleaning Summary This technical advice note describes good practice for cleaning war memorials, outlining a step-by-step approach to aid decisions on whether cleaning is necessary and the range of techniques available. It includes where to get further help and advice. This note is intended for those designing, specifying and undertaking conservation and repair work to war memorials, such as architects, building surveyors, structural engineers, project managers, contractors, craftspeople and conservators. It will also be of interest to those responsible for making decisions on works 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, to coincide with the centenary of the First World War, that cover the overall approach to caring for war memorials as well as some of the more poorly understood technical aspects. They include: guidance on how to record, repair, conserve, maintain and protect these unique monuments for future generations: The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials and Conservation and Management of War Memorial Landscapes short technical advice notes covering inscriptions, structural problems and repairs and maintenance case studies on conservation options for specific war memorial issues films on technical aspects of war memorial conservation This guidance has been prepared by Clara Willett (Historic England). Published by Historic England June 2017. HistoricEngland.org.uk/advice/caring-for-heritage/war-memorials/ Front cover Top left:The result of a cleaning trial using superheated Bottom left: Cleaning with low pressure super heated steam steam to remove algae. Low-pressure steam is generally is a useful method for general cleaning. the most appropriate method for removing soft biological Bottom right: Even light biological growth can obscure material. © Odgers Conservation Consultants Ltd inscriptions, particularly if it is very similar in colour to the Top right: Heavy biological growth obscures inscriptions. substrate beneath. Careful removal can improve legibility. < < Contents ii Contents Introduction .........................................1 1 Cleaning ......................................5 1.1 Reasons for cleaning ...................................5 1.2 Cleaning strategy and trials ........................6 1.3 Cleaning methods ........................................7 2 References .................................15 3 Where to Get Advice ...................17 4 Acknowledgements ...................20 ii < < Contents iii Introduction The presentation of a war memorial is integral to its values. War memorials hold significant values for the community and there is usually a desire for them to look at their best. Although aesthetics are important, war memorials are historical monuments and ensuring their longevity through appropriate maintenance and repair is crucial. Cleaning forms part of this ongoing care: it may be considered as part of a maintenance plan for a war memorial or of more extensive repair works. Regardless, it should not be undertaken simply to restore the war memorial to an ‘as new’ or pristine condition, as the methods needed to achieve it are likely to be damaging. The war memorial should look cared for. Figure 1 Algae and lichen obscure inscriptions, particularly if they are very similar in colour to the substrate beneath. Higher plants can become established in open joints. < < Contents 1 Before considering whether to clean a war Definition memorial, it is essential to gather as much background information about it so an War Memorials Trust defines a war memorial informed decision about cleaning (and any as ‘any physical object created, erected or other conservation works) can be made. This installed to commemorate those involved in should not only include researching its history or affected by a conflict or war.’ but also understanding the extent, nature and significance of its surroundings and being aware Although a war memorial might usually be of any restrictions or legislation which apply to thought of as a plaque, a freestanding cross it. Each memorial is unique in its construction, or perhaps a bronze statues of a soldier on location, environment and state of deterioration. a pedestal, this definition allows for a vast It is essential to investigate the materials it is array of different types. constructed from and to assess and evaluate its present condition. This information should The full range of memorials in the be recorded so that it provides a basis for United Kingdom can be seen at War subsequent inspections. Memorials Online as well as researched through the Imperial War Museum’s War Once the condition and significance of a war Memorials Register. memorial is understood, a considered judgement can be made about the amount of cleaning (and It is not possible within the scope of this any other conservation or repair that may be guidance to cover all the different types of needed). Once the nature of the works has been memorials, so the focus is on those that identified, best practice includes commissioning are the most commonly seen across the them through a tender process and selecting a country. These include plaques, crosses, contractor with the necessary skills to carry them obelisks, cenotaphs, sculpture, arches out to a high standard. and lych-gates. Complete buildings, such as chapels, hospitals and community halls, along with objects such as windows, organs, rolls of honour, flags and seats have been excluded. However, some of the approaches covered in this guidance are still relevant; advice on the care of individual artefacts or historic fabric can be found through the Conservation Register (see Where to Get Advice). 1 < < Contents 2 Many aspects of the repair and maintenance of war memorials, especially those involving Getting consent for cleaning complex structures, require professional Many war memorials are included in the involvement. Architects or surveyors are needed National Heritage List for England. Listing to inspect larger or more sensitive structures. celebrates buildings and monuments of All such professionals should be conservation- special architectural or historic interest and accredited by their professional body. Specialist encourages sympathetic and sustainable conservators should be engaged to evaluate the management. Regardless of whether listed condition of the materials, and carry out and at Grade I, Grade II*or Grade II a memorial supervise complex treatments. Excellent practical is legally protected and any proposed skills and thorough knowledge of the materials work, including cleaning may require are essential to carry out repairs to the required Listed Building Consent from the local standard, so craftspeople and conservators with authority. If it is a Scheduled Monument, or suitable experience should always be used. within a scheduled area, contact Historic England. Listed Building Consent helps Volunteers are important in maintaining ensure that any proposed changes maintain continuity of local involvement in the war the monument’s significance and that memorials and are invaluable in any fundraising. appropriate methods and materials are They can also carry out much of the research and used in any repairs. help with regular monitoring and the production and updating of condition surveys. Members of the local community also have a crucial role to play in tackling some routine maintenance work, such as pruning invasive vegetation. Successful projects are based on a collaborative approach between professionals, craftspeople and custodian. Details of where to contact suitable professional are given in Where to Get Advice. Further details on these aspects can be found in The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials. < < Contents 3 Principles of practical conservation Conservation of a memorial should never When considering options for practical repair, be thought of solely in terms of practical there are a number of overriding criteria that treatment. It is intrinsically linked with the should be taken into account: values that we associate with it; establishing these values will affect the degree of Only materials which have been intervention that is considered appropriate. demonstrated to be appropriate to the Since the mid-19th century a number of original fabric should be considered. manifestos and charters have sought to set These will normally be the same or down the underlying principles that should similar to the host material. Where this is govern the work to historic buildings and no longer possible (for example original monuments. These are described in detail in stone is not available), the technical and Practical Building Conservation: Conservation aesthetic properties must be compatible Basics (2012). with the original A number of phrases such as ‘reversibility’ Any method should aim to be the least and ‘minimum intervention’ are often used interventive to achieve the desired aims; to summarise these principles. However, this might mean using a gentle these do not do justice to the complex series water-based cleaning system rather than of questions that need to be asked when an abrasive method considering the need for intervention on war memorials. Interventions should aim to maximise the life expectancy of the memorial while retaining as much of the original fabric as possible. For a memorial, this might mean