About
When it comes to championing best practice in historic built conservation, Context, the quarterly journal of the IHBC, stands as a beacon. It delivers timely, authoritative insights to conservation professionals across the UK and beyond—from architects and planners to skilled craftspeople. Edited by Rob Cowan and supported by a seasoned editorial board, its biannual themes reflect the evolving priorities of the field: wellbeing, technical innovation, policy leadership, and heritage‑nature intersections (ihbc.org.uk). A Hub for Expertise and Debate Each issue packs a punch with case studies, technical guidance, policy briefings, and gear for everyday practice. Notably, issue 180 (June 2024)—on “Where heritage and nature meet”—offers a prime example of its interdisciplinary strength (ihbconline.co.uk). As one reviewer on LinkedIn observed, the editor Imogen Wood (née Sambrook) “has a great piece […] about how we can ‘Value transitions between heritage and nature’”. This blend of conservation science, ecological awareness, and human insight is what elevates plenty of articles beyond technical manuals. Real Voices of Impact What makes Context feel alive is its connection to the community. Imogen Wood’s post was quickly echoed by Caitlin DeSilvey (Professor of Cultural Geography, Exeter): “There are a lot of questions here, and not many answers… are heritage values static? … 'Adaptive release' becomes an important concept.” (linkedin.com) This kind of candid commentary—rooted in academic and field experience—brings context to the professional discourse. It transforms passive reading into active debate. A Resource for Professionals With themes ranging from “Technical: roofing” to “Leaders of conservation thought,” Context helps practitioners stay current with new materials, evolving legislation, and sustainability considerations. As IHBC’s website puts it, it “provides news and views on all aspects of building conservation with regular articles by the foremost protagonists in the field”. For anyone serious about CPD, best practices, or policy awareness, it’s essential reading. Why Context Matters—Now and Ahead In an era of climate challenges, skills shortages, and changing usage patterns in heritage buildings, Context is more than a magazine—it’s a strategic partner. It highlights cutting-edge techniques (like nano‑lime treatments used in Westminster Hall, issue 182, Dec 2024) (buildingconservation.com), shares evolving frameworks for conservation and climate resilience, and amplifies community debate. Its careful blend of peer‑reviewed chapters, practitioner case‑studies, and reviewer input fosters a balanced yet forward‑looking community discourse—working toward a resilient, sustainable heritage sector. Final Thought For conservation professionals—and anyone who cares about how we look after our built past—Context is the go‑to publication. By offering authoritative articles, community‑rooted debates, and reviews with substance, it shapes practice, fuels learning, and builds consensus across disciplines. If you'd like to explore a specific issue or contribute, their online archive offers a rich trove—and IHBC welcomes new voices keen to guide the future of heritage conservation.
Features
| Author or Editor: | Rob Cowan (Editor) |
|---|---|
| Format: | Journal |
| Publisher: | IHBC |
| Retailer/Link: | https://ihbc.org.uk/page55/context_archive/ |
| Review or Endorsement : | "Context stands as the definitive journal for professionals working in the historic environment. Published by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), it offers a rich and intelligent blend of policy insight, technical guidance, case studies, and critical commentary. Under the editorship of Rob Cowan, Context brings together voices from across the conservation spectrum—architects, planners, historians, craftspeople, and academics—into a genuinely interdisciplinary forum. Whether tackling emerging challenges like climate resilience in heritage assets or exploring timeless principles in restoration and repair, the journal consistently provides high-value, well-curated content that informs both practice and thought leadership. Its online availability makes it an accessible and vital resource for continuous professional development and sector-wide learning. For anyone committed to the stewardship of historic buildings and places, Context is more than a journal—it is a cornerstone of professional discourse and a catalyst for informed, collaborative conservation practice." — ConserveConnect 2025 |
| Keywords/Tags: | Context: The Voice of Building Conservation |
