Online Toolkit

Consider the purpose of your recording endeavor before you commence. You might assessing the asset’s condition, conducting research, or planning a restoration project. This consideration will guide your choice of methods and determine the level of detail necessary. By thinking ahead, you can minimise the number of visits required to gather this necessary information, streamlining this process.

There are several reasons why it is important to record our built heritage:

1. Preservation and Conservation: Recording our historic buildings and monuments, including architectural features, materials used, and unique design elements, helps to preserving their heritage value for future generations
2. Research and Documentation: Heritage assets often have stories and historical narratives associated with them. Recording our heritage can help us to understand particular socio-cultural contexts, and contribute to the knowledge and documentation of a particular era or community
3. Restoration and Renovation: When restoring or renovating a historic building, accurate recordings of its original and current state are crucial. These records aid in understanding the building’s original design intent, materials, and construction techniques. They serve as a valuable reference during the restoration process, ensuring that the building is preserved in a manner consistent with its historical significance
4. Legal and Regulatory Purposes: Historic buildings and monuments are subject to specific laws and regulation. Recording their condition and features helps in compliance with these regulations and serves as evidence in case of planning disputes or legal matters arising from and works.
5. Public Engagement and Education: Recording and sharing information about our historic environment can raise public awareness and appreciation for cultural heritage. It allows individuals to connect with their local history, fosters community pride, and promotes a sense of identity and belonging
6. Tourism and Economic Impact: Heritage assets often attract tourists and visitors, contributing to the local economy. Accurate recordings can be used for marketing and promotion, showcasing the unique architectural and historic value of these structures, and attracting visitors interested in heritage tourism

Read more about the importance of recording our heritage here, courtesy of the Getty Conservation Institute

Before you begin to record a historic building or monument:

• Always inform someone about your whereabouts and destination before proceeding: It is essential to let someone reliable know about your intended location and plans, ensuring your safety and providing a reference in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances
• Obtain permission from the property owners before entering their land: Prioritise open communication and discuss your interest in the building with the owners. By demonstrating your genuine curiosity and engaging in conversation, you may not only secure access to the building but also gain valuable local knowledge and insights
• Assess the safety of approaching the building or structure and be mindful of your surroundings: Conduct a thorough evaluation of your surroundings for your personal safety. Be aware of potential hazards, such as concealed mill ponds, unguarded wells, rubble, or debris. Only proceed if you can confirm that it is safe to do so
• Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary: Sometimes, you will need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) that corresponds to the specific risks associated with the environment. Adhering to PPE requirements helps mitigate potential dangers and safeguards your well-being during the documentation process

Pay attention to CONTEXT

• Location: Take note of where the building is situated. Is it on a street, a square, or in a field? Is it positioned directly on the road or set back? Does it blend into the side of a hill or stand prominently in an exposed area? Additionally, observe its proximity to any bodies of water
• Orientation: Determine the direction the building is facing. This information can provide insights into factors such as natural light, views, and the relationship with the surrounding environment
• Context: Assess how the building fits in or stands out amongst neighbouring structures. Does it share a similar architectural style or use comparable materials? Does it align with the street’s layout? Does it form a cohesive group with other nearby buildings?
• Associated Structures: Take note of any additional structures connected to the main building. These may include garden gates, boundary walls, railings, fences, kilns, outbuildings, or workshops. They contribute to the overall composition and function of the property
• Landscaping: Consider the presence of any landscaping elements associated with the property. This could involve formal gardens or a field system that enhances the visual appeal and character of the surroundings
• Additional Features: Observe any other elements that contribute to the setting. This could include a telephone or post box at the boundary, nearby trees, or other notable objects or landmarks that enhance the overall feel

Photography is the easiest (and perhaps the best) way of recording a historic structure. Almost everyone has access to a camera, smartphone or tablet

Overview of architectural photography

1. Begin by photographing the exterior of the structure from all sides, framing the shots to capture the full elevation of each side
2. Zoom in and start from the top:
   • Capture detailed photographs of the chimneys and roof
   • Proceed downward and photograph any noticeable faults such as leaky rainwater goods, spalled bricks, or cracks in the structure
   • Capture photographs of decorative tiles, mouldings, bricks, or vents
   • If windows and doors hold architectural significance, take close-up photos of them
3. Direct your focus towards the base of the structure:
   • Photograph significant details or elements in poor condition located at the base
   • Be mindful of potential internal issues, such as blocked vents or raised ground levels, and document them
4. If safe, enter the building:
   • Exercise caution whilst walking inside and ensure your safety
   • Begin by taking a wide angle photograph of each room
   • Look up to the ceiling and photograph architectural details like cornices or ceiling roses. Gradually work your way down to the floor
   • Watch out for potential issues like rot, damp, or structural movement. Also, capture interesting details or features such as fireplaces or window shutters
   • Pay attention to the profile of skirting boards, architraves, doors, and door furniture
5. Repeat the process for each room:
   • Note that whilst some rooms may have similar details, it is important not to assume uniformity. Historic buildings often undergo additions and modifications over time, revealing clues about the structure’s evolution
   • Make notes about interesting features or locations where you took photographs
   • Consider creating a rough plan of the building to aid in your documentation and include measurements if necessary

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TIPS FOR CAPTURING YOUR SHOT

Take many photographs: Capture multiple perspectives and angles of all elements that compose the building, including portrait and landscape orientations, as well as shots from various viewpoints such as the side and from above. Avoid limiting yourself to a single shot of each element. The more photographs you take, the greater the variety and choices you will have during the selection process later on. This approach allows for a comprehensive documentation of the building’s components and provides ample material for further analysis and presentation

Be mindful of lighting:  Take advantage of the capabilities of most camera phones, which allow you to manually select the focus and exposure point by tapping different areas on the screen. By experimenting with different points, you can achieve a balanced exposure and ensure the asset is properly illuminated. Alternatively, if possible, seek out shaded areas to avoid harsh lighting conditions altogether. If timing permits, consider returning to the location when the light is coming from a different direction, as this can provide more favourable lighting conditions for capturing the structure in all its splendour

Watch your framing:

To ensure all elements are captured in your photograph, it’s important to carefully check the edges of your subject. Pay close attention to details like the top of a spire on a church to ensure they are not inadvertently cut off or missing from the frame. By thoroughly examining the composition before taking the shot, you can ensure that all significant elements are included, preserving the integrity and completeness of the subject.

Furthermore, including the surrounding context in your photographs can contribute to telling the story of a heritage building. It allows for a comprehensive depiction of the place and provides valuable context. Additionally, keep an eye out for intriguing ancillary buildings that can enhance the overall narrative and understanding of the location.

To ensure visually appealing and focused photographs, be mindful of any potential clutter in the frame. Before capturing the image, scan the surroundings for distracting elements like wheelie bins or other objects that might divert attention from the main subject. Removing or repositioning such items can help maintain the viewer’s focus on the heritage building and create a more aesthetically pleasing composition

Avoid flash: Sometimes flash is needed but it can bleach out a lot of details you are trying to capture. This is particularly true for details such as reliefs, carvings, texture, and colours

Make notes: Occasionally, the details you observe on-site may not be as apparent in your photographs when you review them later, or you might struggle to remember which specific part of the building you captured and when. In such situations, taking notes during your exploration can be immensely helpful. These notes serve as a valuable reference, refreshing your memory and adding meaning to your drawings or photographs.

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WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

A smartphone, tablet or camera (although the cameras in tablets tend to be lower quality than a mobile phone)

You may also need:

A tripod for your phone or camera, a drone if you would like to take a closer look at the roof or take aerial site views (be aware that there are laws governing the use of drones, which must be adhered to, including training and licensing), a range of affordable lenses are available for your smartphone or tablet which can assist you in taking wider angle or telephoto shots

Resources:

How to draw buildings

Crafting measured drawings

Understanding scales and scale drawings

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Photography is not always the optimal method for documenting certain aspects. In some cases, the construction details of a building element can be better comprehended or conveyed through a drawing, sketch, or diagram. Utilizing these visual mediums can offer enhanced clarity and understanding.

When capturing the entirety of an asset within its context, a drawing or sketch might be more convenient and effective. It allows for a holistic representation and can capture the essence and character of the subject more effectively than a photograph.

Moreover, utilizing rough diagrams can be particularly useful in illustrating how different buildings and structures harmonize and function together. For instance, you might create a diagram showcasing the layout of a farmyard or a mill complex, showcasing their interconnections and operations.

It may be advantageous to create a measure drawing. This approach serves multiple purposes: documenting the building, comprehending the interrelationships among its various elements, making comparisons with similar structures, and gaining insights into the overall scale and proportion of the building or specific components within it.

Measured drawings are particularly valuable in practical scenarios, such as restoration projects. However, the level of precision required will differ depending on whether you are creating schematic representations or undertaking detailed analysis. In cases where high accuracy is necessary, it is advisable to engage the expertise of a specialist professional.

Fortunately, there are several user-friendly online tools available for creating scaled floor plans at no cost. These can assist you in generating accurate drawings. Alternatively, you may opt to draw the plans manually.

Remember to account for wall thickness in addition to room sizes, as this ensures a comprehensive depiction of the building’s layout.

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WHAT YOU WILL NEED

A good quality sketch pad, drawing pens/ pencils, sharpener, rubber, ruler.

You may also need:

Surveyor’s tape measure, laser distance measure, A3 drawing board, scale ruler, set square, drawing pens.

Resources:

Oral history for beginners

Good practice guidance for oral history

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Heritage assets are not only valuable in their own right but also because they hold personal stories. These oral histories are an integral part of our cultural identity and contribute to our sense of place, breathing life into places of architectural or historical significance.

To preserve these stories, you can record oral histories of family members or acquaintances. Creating a discussion topic around a memory, household item, or past event can help uncover these personal narratives. In an informal setting, over a cup of tea, you can make someone feel at ease, and with their permission, record their stories using your mobile device via video or voice notes

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WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Smartphone or tablet, or a voice recorder.