The Care of Ancient Monuments
An Account of Legislative and Other Measures Adopted in European Countries for Protecting Ancient Monuments, Objects and Scenes of Natural Beauty, and for Preserving the Aspect of Historical Cities

Sets out best practice for the preservation of monuments and architectural and natural beauty, comparing Britain with other countries.

G. Baldwin Brown (Author)

9781108016063, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 February 2011

280 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.6 cm, 0.36 kg

The eminent art historian Gerard Baldwin Brown (1849–1932) held, for fifty years, the first Chair in the History of Art in Britain at the University of Edinburgh. He published on a wide range of art and architecture; his major work was the six-volume Arts in Early England (1903–1937). His interest in the wider social context of art was reflected in his concern for the preservation of ancient monuments for the public. It was after the publication of the present book in 1906 that Brown was appointed member of a Royal Commission to compile an inventory of ancient Scottish monuments. The first half of the book outlines best practice for the preservation of monuments and architectural and natural beauty. The second part, based on extensive secondary literature and official documentation, demonstrates how other countries managed their historic monuments: in Europe, India, the Middle East and the United States.

Preface
Part I. The Principles and Practice of Monument Administration: 1. The significance and history of the care of monuments
2. The meaning of the term 'monument'
3. The limit of age for monuments
4. The different kinds of monument
5. Why should monuments be preserved?
6. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? The function of public opinion
7. Means for the preservation of monuments: A. Private societies and publications
8. Means for the preservation of monuments: B. Official and semi-official agencies, museums
9. Means for the preservation of monuments: C. Legislation, national and local
10. Restoration and anti-restoration
11. 'Classement', inventorization, and official publications
12. Superintendence of excavations and disposal of 'finds': Treasure-trove
13. Prohibition of sale or exportation
14. Expropriation or compulsory purchase
Part II. Monument Administration in the Various European Countries
1. France
2. Germany
3. Italy
4. Great Britain and Ireland
5. The Austrian Empire
6. Belgium, Holland, and Switzerland
7. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden
8. Russia and Finland
9. Spain and Portugal
10. Greece and Turkey
11. The Danubian provinces
12. India, Egypt, Algeria, Tunis
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Archaeological theory [HDA]