SOURCES FOR THE BUILDING CONSERVATOR AND HISTORIAN

The sources of printed information used by building designers are largely ephemeral and the survival of this material has been rather haphazard. This presents problems for both historians of modern building and building conservators, although the two have different needs. This paper examines the various kinds of printed material used in building and the factors affecting its likely survival. It also notes the extent to which historical material of various kinds has been collected. The vulnerability of many collections and the poor survival rate of many of the different kinds of historical printed material suggest a need for a more positive policy toward its collection. Some recommendations are outlined.