Timms Eida & Associates have signed up as corporate sponsors of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings “SPAB”. We support and encourage the charity’s view that old buildings have a future.
SPAB was formed by William Morris in 1877 in response to harmful restoration that was being carried out to buildings causing irreparable damage and it encourages excellence in new design to enrich and complement the built historic environment.
The Society’s vision is that “Old buildings are understood, cared for and appreciated today, and protected for future generations”.
The SPAB mission is threefold:
- That all people caring for old buildings follow the SPAB approach.
- To provide expertise to keep old buildings useful, beautiful and part of people’s lives.
- To connect with all people who appreciate old buildings or care for them.
The Society provide practical and positive guidance which encourages the value and good sense of caring for the fabric of old buildings and their approach to building conservation is set out in their guide “The SPAB Approach” which can be viewed on the website.
They do not want buildings to be returned to their original condition but believe “that buildings should be valued for their entire history, recognising understanding and respecting change”. In order to achieve this the building fabric is best respected by regular maintenance and skilled conservative repair. Where changes and additions are essential, they should contribute positively to a buildings’ interest and story and that decisions about old buildings should made by taking a long-term view.
