Frank Evans wrote: <<The owner is loath to use any modern materials on it without taking advice, having had earlier bad experiences of so-called conservation. >>
I can understand that. You probably know that the BSS has a sub-group devoted to conservation. It does not adopt the stance (that is seen in some conservation circles) that everything has to be regarded as untouchable but rather does attempt to provide information regarding good/sensible practice. I personally (and I am not a member of the BSS Conservation Group so this comment is not one to be associated with the BSS) feel that in general we should treat dial restoration like we do the maintenance of other old things (like churches) which we also want to stay in regular use. There should be maintenance which might well use modern materials but they should be used in sympathy with the design and type of dial. Painted dials have usually been repainted many, many times in their lifetime (even to the point where the lines might now be misplaced) and I feel we should not be too 'precious' about repainting. Unless there are pressing reasons for retaining such 'creeping errors' we should consider getting the delineation right. Clearly the approach to be adopted does depend upon the age, rarity, condition and value of the dial as well as the conditions in which it is sited and if a very old mass/scratch dial is in real danger of being lost forever then it may well be best to bring it inside or otherwise protect it. I can only suggest that you get in touch with David Young - Secretary of the BSS - who can put you in touch with those in the Society who have experience of the restoration or conservation problems you identify. I can send you (or any one else having similar interests) his address if you haven't got it. I presume that the Corbridge dial you mention is SRNO 0773 on the South front of Corbridge Old Hall - (Vertical South Direct dial, 30cms wide x 25 cms high, Arabic numerals). If so (and I amazed to discover this!) we do not have a photograph of it in the Society's Register and archives. I am sure I must have one of my own somewhere but if you - Frank - are in touch with the owner, an updated report on this dial with photo would be most welcome! Especially if one can be taken just before and one just after any restoration. I suggest that we ask the BSS Mass Dial Group (Tony Wood) about the early dial. He probably knows of it and may well have further info. I shall send your e-mail to him (by snail mail) and will report back as to what he says.... Is this dial on the St Andrew's church at Dalton-le-Dale where there is also the interesting interior dial? Interesting if so. Patrick Hope this helps Patrick
