How to Set about Conservation
The Tiles & Architectural Ceramics Society (TACS) has as one of its major aims the protection and conservation of tiles and architectural ceramics.
To pursue this aim, it relies primarily on members of the public bringing to its attention proposals for the demolition or radical alteration of buildings which have interesting tiles or other ceramic architectural features – whether inside or outside.
This Information Sheet is intended to help you take immediate steps to promote the conservation of any such building that you believe to be at risk. The advice applies equally to any tile panels located in public places, which you perceive to be under threat.
First Step
Ring the first alarm bell by immediately informing the Society. To do this, either contact the TACS Conservation Secretary via our E-mail form or write to the TACS General Secretary
The more information you can gather initially the better, because the more you pass on to the Society, the more swiftly it can begin to take whatever action it deems necessary.
However, whilst it’s always extremely useful for the Conservation Secretary to have from the onset as much information as possible, don’t let this stop you from notifying the Society as soon as you learn of the threat.
You can always forward additional information later on; or, if this is going to be difficult, then the Society will set about gathering it. Having the necessary data to hand simply speeds up the process of intervention. And it is often easier to obtain information at a local level.
Important and Useful Information to Gather
- name, address and/or location of the building or tile panel
- contact details of the relevant Town or County Council together with, if possible, the name and contact details of the Council’s Conservation Officer
- owner of the building or tile panel. If this is in the public domain, then the name of the chief executive or of the senior planning officer involved in the project
- contact details of the architect or firm of architects involved in the project
- contact details of any property or development company involved in the project
- whether or not the building, in its entirety or in part, is listed – either by English Heritage or more locally by the Council
- whether there is any information as to the name of any architect, designer, artist involved in the original construction. For example, success in conserving a tile panel is greatly increased if one is able to identify the manufacturer, designer and/or artist
Other Useful Contacts
You may wish to consider alerting other relevant conservation bodies, as the more involvement the better. You will find their contact details on the web. Four possibilities are
- The Victorian Society
- English Heritage
- The Institute of Conservation
- The Twentieth
Century Society
- Risky Buildings
To see if there’s any support for conservation at a local level, you might also consider
- contacting your local newspaper – either by writing a letter about the building or tile panel that’s at risk or by phoning to speak to one of the journalists.
- getting in touch with any local civic or historical society in the area.
The above information is for guidance only.
TACS does not accept responsibility for any actions taken in response to information and advice contained in this document.
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