Architectural Historian

An architectural historian is someone who studies or is an expert in architectural history, a sub-discipline of architecture that focuses on historical contexts. As well as research, writing and teaching, it may involve working as a consultant in an advisory level to private clients, public bodies and institutions within and outside of architectural or planning offices.

The subject may cover a broad range of related areas such as history, art history and culture, urban planning, archaeology, building design and engineering, as well as sustainability, in terms of building materials, design, renovation, retrofit and restoration. As a discipline it may also cover the more recent architectural history of the 20th Century.

One of the best-known architectural historian in the UK is Sir Nikolaus Pevsner CBE FBA, born in January 1902 (died in August 1983). He was a German-British art and architectural historian who was recognised for his series 'The Buildings of England', which was first published in 1951, on the subject of Cornwall. The series continued to cover every county of England with 46 volumes, and remains a classic and widely-acclaimed architectural and cultural history. There continue to be a great number of active architectural historians in the UK, covering a broad range of historical periods, buildings and construction types

The Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain is an educational charity dedicated to furthering the knowledge of architectural history by advancing research, education and learning. It was established in 1956 when it became an autonomous society representing the UK. It had existed for some years previous to that as a chapter of the American Society of Architectural Historians. It disseminates knowledge to public and professional audiences through programming, guidance and support, advocating for its members and the discipline in heritage, architectural and educational settings.

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation, established in 1997 see's it role in supporting and accrediting built and historic environment conservation specialists while promoting the public and charitable benefits of conservation.

The Twentieth Century Society (C20) is a British charity with interests that focus on 20th-century Britain, concerned with the preservation of architectural heritage from 1914 onwards. It campaigns to save outstanding buildings and designs that have shaped the British landscape - both iconic buildings, and little-known gems, considered irreplaceable and under threat.

There are a number of other regional and specialist organisations concerned with research, education and protection of what is interpreted as the historical fabric of cities, towns and villages.

[edit] External references

• https://www.sahgb.org.uk
• https://ihbc.org.uk
• https://c20society.org.uk
• https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Conservation_wiki

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