How to Survey Historic Buildings
An initial lecture and then two follow up practical training sessions were given by Ivan Hradil in February 2007 on surveying and recording Historic Buildings.
English Heritage Guidance Documents
The basic principles of recording of Historic Buildings and the different levels of record which can be created which Ivan explained to the group are well presented in a series of documents on the English Heritage website. (These are quite large files and may take a few seconds to download)
Part 1 Introduces the subject and describes the different levels of survey which can be carried out.
Part 2 Describes the drawing conventions used in preparing detailed records.
Part 3 Continues with the recording process
Measuring, Recording and Drawing Plans
On a wild and windy February day Ivan and Peter used St Thomas Church and the Old Vicarage as examples of what features to look for and record (although one of our intrepid leaders was found sheltering out of the wind whilst the rest of the group braved the elements in the interest of further education)
The Old Vicarage is an ideal point to start as it is possible to trace many changes which have been made to the original building through the centuries:
Measurements were taken inside the main rooms of the Old Vicarage to start to turn into scale plans
Ann followed this up and tied it in with the research of Historic Documents by sharing her collection of photographs, maps and documents which have a reference to the Old Vicarage.
Photographic Records
On the third session the group practiced turning the measurements they had taken inside the Old Vicarage into scale plans, which along with a photographic records, could form the main part of the record of the survey. Ivan listed the following guidance points for taking buildings photographs :-
• A calibrated range rod or retractable ruler which can be fixed at a 1 metre length is necessary to be able to indicate a measurement scale on the photograph.
• Whenever possible, take the photograph from the centre of the building elevation for a complete view of the structure. If this is difficult due to close proximity of other buildings or because of problems in the environs then oblique views can be substituted if necessary.
• Decide on an identifiable starting point and take photographs around the entire building if possible.
• Create and show a link between a photograph and the point at which it is located on the drawing of the building layout/elevation.
• Photographs of the environs of the building can also be useful.
• English Heritage currently still prefer a photographic record to be on 35mm film as opposed to digital images.
• The use of a tripod with the camera is essential particularly when the use of flash is necessary for photographing interiors of large buildings.
• Details can be very important. If uncertain about something take a photograph for later study or investigation.
• Keep it simple.
Follow this link for detailed guidance which can be used to take photographs suitable for the extraction of metric data (measurement) and can then form part of the conservation process.
With thanks to Nora and John Moncur, Judy Pridgeon and Barry for contributions to this article.