Understanding Architectural Drawings and Historical Visual Sources

Visual evidence such as original drawings, topographical views, surveys, maps, photographs, and other sources are essential for understanding historic buildings and places. This book explains the provenance, purpose, and terminology of various visual sources from the 16th to the 20th centuries and how they can help or hinder an understanding of the original form and subsequent changes. It is of particular interest to historic buildings professionals, archaeologists, conservation architects, students of architectural history, and those involved in the preparation of conservation plans.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 96 pages
\n Publication date: 15 December 2018
\n Publisher: Historic England
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A comprehensive approach to exploring historic buildings and places begins with visual evidence. Original drawings, topographical views, surveys, maps, photographs, and other historical visual sources provide invaluable insights into the appearance and characteristics of these structures and locations as they exist today. To interpret these materials effectively, it is essential to possess knowledge of historic design and mapping conventions, the context in which the drawings were created, the techniques employed for engraved or topographical views, and the equipment and processes used in photography at different periods.

In "Historical Visual Sources: A Guide to Understanding the Historic Built Environment," a comprehensive guide authored by professional architectural and art historians, the authors delve into the origins, purposes, and terminology of a diverse range of visual sources spanning from the 16th to the 20th centuries. They shed light on how these sources can either enhance or hinder our understanding of the original form and subsequent alterations to buildings, sites, and landscapes. Additionally, the book provides a comprehensive list of the most widely used archives, such as the Royal Institute of British Architects Drawings Collection, as well as online and published databases of historic visual sources.

This book holds particular appeal to historic buildings professionals, archaeologists, conservation architects, students of architectural history, and those involved in the preparation of conservation plans. However, its significance extends far beyond these fields, as it offers a wealth of material to historians, genealogists, educators, students, and authors alike. By examining and discussing the visual sources presented in this book, we can uncover new and rich veins of information that contribute to our broader understanding of history and society.

\n Weight: 286g\n
Dimension: 170 x 239 x 7 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781848023703\n \n