Building preservation archive
In July 2016, the Property Care Association (PCA) unveiled their digital archive, containing decades of building preservation research. The archive includes copies of papers and conference proceedings that date back to the establishment of the British Wood Preserving Association (BWPA) in the 1930s.
The BWPA was the founding body for the industry, with the aim to ‘spread knowledge of wood preservation … and to investigate all possible methods of wood preservation’. It was succeeded in the 1990s by the British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing Association (BWPDA).
The annual conventions of the BWPA, with the last being in 1997, have been recorded in written proceedings, providing a rich history of research and development in the damp and timber remediation industry that is free and searchable as part of the digital archive.
Steve Hodgson, chief executive of the PCA, which grew out of the original BWPA and BWPDA trade associations, said:
“The PCA is proud of its history, which stretches back over 85 years. This started in 1930 with the BWPA as the founding body for the industry with the key aim to spread knowledge of wood preservation with a view to prevent wastage of timber and to standardise specifications for wood preservatives and their application.
“Their remit was also to investigate all possible methods of wood preservation and to afford members opportunities for the interchange of ideas regarding improvements in wood preservation.
“The annual conventions of the BWPA, and then the BWPDA, have been captured over the years in written records and these provide an invaluable source of information for construction and property professionals alike.”
You can explore the archive here.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
ICOMOS-CIF 2024 Symposium celebrates 40th anniversary in Venice
It aims to critically review current practices and theories of conservation of built heritage around the world, and more.
HES establishes new national centre for retrofit of traditional buildings
HES plans to develop the centre follows £1m of funding from UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council.
High Court rejects oral appeal against tower block decision in historic Bloomsbury
The request was for a full Judicial Review hearing against Camden Council’s approval of a 74m-high tower block in Bloomsbury.
Mayor of London and Government announce bold plans to transform Oxford Street
Plans include turning the road into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, creating a beautiful public space.
Crystal Palace Subway, for 160th anniversary
The remarkable Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway in South London begins a new era following major restoration.
National Trust brings nature back to an area twice the size of Manchester in less than a decade
The National Trust has achieved its aim of creating or restoring 25,000 hectares of priority habitat on its land by 2025.
18th-century hospital in York to become sustainable homes
A former mental health establishment founded by a Quaker in 1792 is to be converted into 120 energy-efficient homes in York.
Context 180 Released - Where Heritage and Nature Meet
The issue includes life, death, Forests, bats, landscapes and much more.
Church architecture awards 2024: now open
The National Churches Trust has announced three awards, all of which are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).
The essential sector guide includes officers' updates and a foreword by EH Chair Gerard Lemos.