The impact of science on conservation practice: Sandstone consolidation in Scottish built heritage

Scotland’s extensive sandstone-built heritage is an irreplaceable cultural and material asset which suffers increasing weathering decay that necessitates the consolidation of friable surfaces to delay material loss. Many academic studies of sandstone consolidants have been carried out but long-term field performance monitoring is rarely undertaken. Currently only two types of consolidants, the acrylic resin Paraloid B72 and alkoxy silanes, are commonly applied to sandstone, both associated with inherent risks that could irreversibly accelerate decay. Scotland’s conservation community has the technology and expertise to carry out compatibility and performance testing of consolidants but is hampered by typical restrictions on access, project funding and time. The use of science in the context of risk assessment rather than guarantee of compatibility is suggested to enable timely and solution orientated results that inform the decision-making process. The research highlights the need for conservation science to be routinely and more effectively integrated into conservation planning and processes from the outset. The architect’s role as client representative and project manager is identified as critical to achieving this. Training, outreach activities and an accessible platform for the collation and dissemination of research and treatment documentation are considered possible means of improving collaboration between scientists and conservators and advancing conservation technology and processes.