Commemorative Plaques

Transcription

1 Poole Heritage Forum Commemorative Plaques Advice for those intending to promote commemorative plaques in Poole Introduction 1. Commemorative plaques are often referred to as Blue Plaques, after those used in the well-known scheme in London run by English Heritage. 2. This advice has been prepared by an Advisory Group from within Poole Heritage Forum. The Forum has been established for many years and consists of volunteer representatives of all the major heritage organisations in Poole, together with the Dorset County Archivist, nominated Councillors, and Council officers from, amongst others, the Museum and Planning and Regeneration services. The Forum is not a committee of the Borough of Poole, but works closely with it, and meets four times a year, usually in Poole Museum. 3. Poole Heritage Forum and the Borough of Poole encourage the erection of commemorative plaques which meet the guidelines set out herein, because (iv) (v) they create an interest in the heritage of the Borough; they can encourage tourism; they are educational and motivational; they can enhance a local feeling of community; they celebrate people and events in Poole s past. However, although these organisations can offer support and advice, neither currently has funds available to pay for plaques, the cost of which must be the responsibility of the promoters. Where should plaques be sited? 4. Plaques are essentially a tangible commemoration of the link between a particular building and a person or event which has been associated with it. It therefore follows that the building should still be recognisable as that in which the person lived, or where the historic event took place.

2 5. Only in exceptional circumstances should a redeveloped building be marked with a plaque commemorating a former use of the site. To justify this, the historic significance of the former use should be high. 6. In all circumstances, a plaque should be fixed on a building in a position where it is readily visible to the public. It should not normally be fixed to boundary walls or fences. Who or what should be commemorated? 7. Individuals or groups to be commemorated should have been born in Poole, or have lived or worked here for at least 5 years; have been dead for at least 20 years; have achieved local or national prominence in a significant field of human endeavour, or have made a major contribution to the life of the Borough or to the wellbeing of its citizens. In most cases, the name should be instantly recognisable to the average passer-by. 8. Historic events or uses of particular buildings may be commemorated if those events or uses are significant in the history or development of Poole, its industry and its people. 9. In all cases, promoters of plaques should be able to demonstrate the connection of the building to the person, event or use by unambiguous documentary evidence. Who can promote a plaque? 10. Any organisation, or even any individual, may promote a commemorative plaque, provided the proposal meets the criteria set out herein. However plaques should not be used to advertise any commercial company or living private individual. Planning Regulations 11. It is the responsibility of the promoters to comply with all relevant Regulations. In the broadest terms, the formal consent of the Planning Authority is required for the erection of commemorative plaques only if it is to be on a Listed Building, although there may also be constraints where the building is within a Conservation Area. Design and Construction of the Plaque 12. Legally, there are no fixed rules about colour or design. However, the blue roundel used by English Heritage is instantly recognised and has been replicated in many locations countrywide, including Poole. Although other colours and shapes have been used with success, Poole encourages the use of a circular plaque with a blue and white colour scheme. What is vital is that it is readily legible from the public highway, and that it is in sympathy with the age and design of the building on which it is to be fixed.

3 13. The material chosen for the manufacture of a plaque has a bearing on initial cost, maintenance and longevity. English Heritage uses ceramic; others have used steel, aluminium, bronze, brass, cast iron and lead. Although this Advisory Group is not in a position to recommend specific manufacturers, individual members who have an established programme of promoting plaques may be in a position to offer advice. 14. The chosen method of fixing has a bearing on the design of the plaque. These can be installed in two ways: surface-mounted, either screwed or bolted onto the elevation of the building; and inset or embedded into the face of a wall. The choice may be influenced by the preference of the owner of the building and ease of access. The risk of theft or vandalism suggests the use of tamper-proof screws or bolts, and that plaques should be fixed at a height of at least eight feet above street level. 15. Faultless design is crucial to the success of the plaque, and the time and cost of this stage of the project should not be underestimated. Once erected, spelling mistakes, awkward phrasing and errors in punctuation will be publicly displayed and be the subject of derision for the life of the plaque. For the same reason it is necessary to be absolutely certain of the accuracy of the historical research, to avoid immortalising what has been called bad history. 16. Most designers use computer aids to create an accurate design from which the manufacturer can construct the cast. Obtaining all necessary consents 17. No plaque can be installed without the formal consent of the owner(s) of the building on which it is to be placed. In addition to the Freeholder, this can involve intermediate Lessees and a variety of Occupiers, and can be a lengthy process requiring tact and diplomacy. Frequently the reaction is very positive, as the award of a plaque is seen as an honour which raises interest and awareness in the property, and may even enhance value, but in the event of a refusal there is unlikely to be any option but to shelve the proposal indefinitely. 18. A matter to be considered at this stage is the long-term ownership of the plaque; generally, anything fixed permanently to a building will become part of that building and belong to the building s owner unless there is specific agreement to the contrary. Consideration should also be given to maintenance; depending on the construction of the plaque, its life may be virtually indefinite, or it may require repainting at regular intervals (The blue paint on plaques erected in the 1980s under a previous Borough of Poole scheme is already in need of attention). 19. If the plaque commemorates an individual, it would be appropriate to advise, and seek support from, any living relatives.

4 20. If the building is listed as being of special architectural or historic interest, it will be essential to obtain formal Listed Building Consent for the erection of the plaque. It is advisable to consult the Borough of Poole Conservation Officer at the outset to ensure that the correct procedures are followed, and to avoid wasting time and expense on an unacceptable proposal. Fundraising 21. Although the Borough of Poole has, in the past, managed and helped to fund a scheme to erect plaques, at the present time the entire cost has to be the responsibility of the promoter. Experience suggests that such costs can range between 500 and 5,000, depending on what proportion of the design and administrative costs are undertaken voluntarily by the promoter or other volunteers. Sources of funding can include (iv) (v) (vi) the promoter of the plaque; the building s owner; the family of the person commemorated; organisations connected to the building or person commemorated; local heritage or charitable organisations; the Heritage Lottery Fund and other grant-awarding bodies. Further Guidance 22. Anyone considering the promotion of a plaque is recommended to obtain a copy of the free publication from English Heritage entitled CELEBRATING PEOPLE & PLACE; guidance on commemorative plaques & plaque schemes ( which provides extensive advice and recites the experience of many plaque schemes across the country. 23. Any enquiries in the first instance should be directed to: Michael Spender Museum and Arts Manager Culture and Community Learning, Borough of Poole Poole Museum 4 High Street Poole BH15 1BW Tel: [email protected]

5 Examples of Commemorative Plaques to be seen in Poole today Alms Houses Market Street Castle Hill Court Bournemouth Road Customs House Poole Quay Royal Motor Yacht Club Sandbanks Hill Street Car Park Poole Lord Nelson Pub Poole Quay