CONTEXT 184 : JUNE 2025 17 LEADERS OF CONSERVATION THOUGHT CHRIS WOOD John Ashurst: practitioner, writer and educator Many people practicing building conservation say that listening to this engaging pioneer stimulated their interest in the subject and inspired them to make it their career. John Ashurst (1937–2008) was a quiet, modest, unassuming man who was small in stature but a giant in the field of building conservation. In his four decades of work, he was a pioneer, fostering a scientific approach to conservation, widening the field by embracing other key disciplines such as conservators, scientists and trades/crafts people. He also brought the highly skilled techniques of the obscure Ministry of Works to the attention of everyday practitioners. He was a major driver of the lime revival in the 1970s and 80s. His published works are still revered, but the key to his success and why he is so fondly remembered rests with the spoken word – his ability to communicate so eloquently and eruditely in lectures, seminars and, importantly, in social gatherings – usually in licensed premises! Many people practicing today admit that listening to John stimulated their interest in conservation and inspired them to make it a career. John trained as an architect in the 1950s at Kingston School of Art, where he was a contemporary of Martin Caroe, another major figure in the world of building conservation. John was an excellent draughtsman, which proved so helpful in illustrating his technical repair notes and books. He also spent three John Ashurst served on the advisory committee for the groundbreaking conservation work at the west front of Wells Cathedral. (Photo: David Iliff, Wikimedia)
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