to this on ethical grounds. If you take a unique, bespoke feature from its place of origin and re-establish it in a new and different context, then its character and setting are both affected. Once the authentic siting is lost then so too is the feature’s raison d’etre. Now for mass produced articles this is a hard line to follow but it is always wise to address this question before concluding listed building consent applications.

What else is there to say? Well architectural salvage has generated demand for features, particularly fireplace surrounds, and antique shop prices . tempt the unlawful to rob empty buildings (and even salvage stores and sites under repair). In London and Liverpool there appears

to be some evidence of organised crime involved in raids on redundant churches etc. In one case, St Clements, Barnsbury, good 19th century glass was left in favour of a 1912 window by a little known but marketable artist and the “goods” were rumoured to end up in Japan. The message here is to open communications with redundant building owners and the police crime prevention officers. Advise features at risk to be photographed and invisibly marked and check the skips and building sites after working hours. Perhaps listed building consent conditions could include an informative leaflet about security from theft and damage during works?

DOE Circular 8/87 Appendix IV seeks to encourage the establishment

of local material banks. If these and private salvage yards are encouraged/ coached to play the conservation game our way, there will be benefits for all. Building Refurbishment magazine (Morgan Grampian Press, Morgan Grampian House, 30 Calderwood Street, London SE18, tel: 01-855 7777) has published a directory of commercial concerns Architectural Salvage at £3.75. Perhaps the ACO should have a local authorities’ version? At least then. the officers running them could exchange management/policy information. How about it? Details please via your ACO Regional Reps to me for editing for publishing in Context by 1st February 1990.

John Fidler RIBA is Superintending Architect with English Heritage.