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At the outset of this article, we argued that if the aim of conservation is to sustain and shape the values associated with heritage objects, there is a need for greater attention to the relationship between material transformation, value, and heritage science. Indeed, radical changes in how significance and authenticity are

conceived in conservation philosophy, with increasing attention to intangible aspects of heritage, have created a pressing need for new research on the role of materiality [18] [17] [21]. Yet, in many areas of heritage practice the conservation of material fabric and the consideration of significance, value and authenticity, proceed in a parallel, at best loosely connected, fashion. The UK House of Lords Science and Technology Committee’s Report on Science and Heritage [2] is a good example. The Report vociferously advocates the development and

application of heritage science, but, although it defines conservation in terms of sustaining the values associated with heritage ([2]: 11-12), much of its focus is on

preserving material fabric. Consequently there is little attention to the important question of how the application of science intersects with values. In recent work, Cassar ([26]: 9) has emphasized the ‘symbiotic’ relationship between material transformation, intervention and value, and called for a deeper understanding of what she calls the ‘material/cultural’ interface. We endorse this call, but we argue that attempts to quantify, categorize, or systematise this relationship (e.g.[34]

[36]) are inevitably limited to generalizations that skate the surface of the complex dynamics involved.

Our interdisciplinary research reveals that values associated with material

transformation emerge in particular contexts, informed by differing constellations of materials, processes, practices, visitor expectations, use patterns, building types and forms of expertise. In some contexts (Dryburgh Abbey), weathering and decay can accrue ‘age value’, marking the passage of time, contributing to the experience of authenticity, and creating aesthetically pleasing ‘character’, ‘patina’

and ‘ruination’. In other cases, material transformation and decay is associated with a loss of value and authenticity; either directly through loss of material itself (Skelmorlie Aisle), or because of the wider implications of deterioration in part of the historic fabric for the authenticity and value of the monument or building as a whole (The Hill House). Just as the values associated with material transformation emerge in particular contexts, so does the application of heritage science to

understanding, controlling and arresting material transformation. It is not just a case of identifying pre-existing values that then inform how ‘problems’ are framed, and when and how heritage science is applied. Rather, the application of

science in heritage contexts is embedded in dynamic modes of valuation. The use of scientific techniques to measure, understand and control material

transformation is informed by these values, but these very processes also have the potential to change those values. As one materials scientist put it, “there isn’t a generalization. Everything is unique in buildings.” He was referring to

combinations of materials, craftsmanship, weathering cycles, location and climate, which are always specific to particular situations. In the same way, the values associated with material transformation are not only historically specific [19], but also context-dependent, affected by – amongst other things – the nature of the monument, the materials involved, attitudes towards risk, modes of expertise, changing conservation philosophy, institutional priorities and expectations.

The implications of this research can be summarised as follows. First, material transformation, including decay, does not merely impact on heritage significance.

It is an integral aspect of the values that underpin significance. Second these values are dynamic and contextual. They may vary over time, between and within sites, and between different heritage professionals and stakeholders, in ways that cannot be determined in advance. Third, the application of heritage science to measuring, understanding and modifying material transformation is embedded in these values; it both informs and is informed by them. Fourth, integrated

qualitative research methods can increase our understanding of these important, site-specific conditions and processes, and thus contribute to more nuanced and

productive applications of heritage science, sensitive to the values associated with heritage sites.

In light of these points we recommend that further qualitative research is

conducted on the relationship between material transformation, authenticity, value and heritage science. The tendency of heritage science to focus on a specific material or environmental process and to extract data in relation to this, even setting up controlled laboratory experiments, means that Cassar’s ([26]: 9)

‘material/cultural interface’ is always in danger of being over-looked and this requires further attention. Importantly, however, it will not be possible to identify rules or models that can be generalized, because the values and qualities

associated with material transformation are complex, situated and contextual. We therefore recommend that qualitative methods, such as participant observation, interviewing and focus groups, should be routinely employed to explore the site-specific values and qualities associated with material transformation. Data from such research could then be taken into account when planning interventions and assessing their future impact. Changes in training, expertise and institutional cultures will also be necessary to effectively integrate qualitative methods in such a routine fashion. Therefore our final recommendation is that forums are created to facilitate open-ended discussion of such issues amongst heritage scientists, conservators, managers and other heritage professionals. Whilst it has long been recognized that cross-disciplinary collaboration is crucial in heritage management and conservation, the promotion of inter-disciplinary dialogue, especially across the sciences and humanities, is a less commonplace, but increasingly important

measure. Combined with such events, further interdisciplinary research of the kind central to the MAV project, involving personnel with both scientific and humanities backgrounds will help build a working environment where there is a more holistic consideration of the cultural ramifications of scientific interventions alongside their material effects.

Acknowledgements

The article is based on research conducted for the AHRC/EPSRC Science and Heritage Programme Project Materiality, Authenticity and Value in the Historic Environment: a study of the effects of material transformation and scientific intervention (AH/K006002/1). It also draws on research conducted for the Enacting Conservation: the role of technology, scientific expertise and evidence in producing the past project, part funded by a British Academy/Leverhulme Small Grant (SG122587). We are grateful to our project partners, Historic Scotland (now Historic Environment Scotland) and the National Trust for

Scotland. Participants in our project workshop contributed to the development of the arguments presented in this article. Finally, we would like to thank staff at our case study sites and our research participants. Without their time and generosity the research would not have been possible. Grateful thanks are extended to Dr Maureen Young (Historic Environment Scotland) for the photographs used in Figures 1 to 5.

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Science, value and material decay in the conservation of historic environments

Figure Captions

Figure 1. Early Gothic (12-13^thC) rounded arch doorway at the remains of Dryburgh Abbey, Scottish Borders. This doorway is the south entrance to the Choir, adjacent to the South Transept of the main church, and the Chapter House.

The complex is composed of local white sandstone, here comprising the door surround with side pillars of a dark red sandstone. (Photograph: Maureen Young, Historic Environment Scotland).

Figure 2. Part of the medieval painted ceiling in the Chapter House at Dryburgh Abbey, Scottish Borders, showing details around the east facing window. The surviving decoration is very faint. The image also clearly illustrates the greening of the stonework caused by the biological colinisation, that is the subject of periodic cleaning. The debate about the control of this surface alteration, through direct environmental control measures or cleaning, is a key conservation issue at the site. (Photograph: Maureen Young, Historic Environment Scotland).

Figure 3. Skelmorlie Aisle, Largs, East Ayrshire (1636-38), is the remaining fragment of a larger, now demolished, church. It now sits in a graveyard in the centre of Largs, enclosed by the surrounding wall and other buildings. Its highlight lies inside; the dramatically carved 17^th C loft and mausoleum of the

Captions

Montgomerie Family. (Photograph: Maureen Young, Historic Environment Scotland).

Figure 4. The interior of the Skelmorlie Aisle. The richly carved renaissance canopy sits above the-subterranean burial vault of the Montgomeries. The canopy, or loft was the private worship space of the Montogmeries. The wooden ceiling above the loft is richly illustrated (1638) with allegorical classical, biblical and landscape scenes, including one of Largs with the full church with the Aisle itself, before demolition. (Photograph: Maureen Young, Historic Environment

Scotland).

Figure 5. Decay on the top of the tomb at the Skelmorlie Aisle, Largs. Here the dense fine grained sandstone is suffering from cratering and powdering. At the centre top right of the image an environmental logging device can be seen attached to the structure, recording conditions of Temperature and Relative Humidity near to where damage is occurring. (Photograph: Maureen Young, Historic Environment Scotland).

Figure 6. The west façade and the entrance to the Hill House, Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute (C.R. Mackintosh, architect, 1904-5). This view was taken in 2013 some months after the exterior Portland Cement render had been painted to unify the appearance and improve resistance to environmental attack. The Clyde estuary can be seen in the background. (Photograph: John Hughes).

Figure 7: Example of the cracking in the Portland Cement render of the Hill House, Helensburgh. Cracking such as this allows water ingress that threatens the

historic Macintosh-Macdonald designed interior decoration and furniture (Photograph: John Hughes)..

Figure