Conserving War Memorials: Inscriptions

This technical advice note describes good practice for conserving inscriptions on war memorials. It illustrates the types of inscriptions commonly found and explains how and why they deteriorate. It outlines how to assess the condition of the inscriptions and describes a range of methods for conservation. Information about sources of further help and advice is also included.

This note is intended for those designing, specifying and undertaking conservation and repair work to war memorials, such as architects, building surveyors, structural engineers, project managers, contractors, craftspeople and conservators. It will also be of interest to those responsible for making decisions on works such as local authority staff including conservation officers and custodians, and parish or volunteer groups.

This technical advice note forms part of a series of resources produced by Historic England that cover the overall approach to caring for war memorials as well as some of the more poorly understood technical aspects. They include:

• guidance on how to record, repair, conserve, maintain and protect these unique monuments for future generations: The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials and Conservation and Management of War Memorial Landscapes
• short technical advice notes covering inscriptions, bronze feature on war memorials, structural problems, and repairs and maintenance
• case studies on conservation options for specific war memorial issues
• films on technical aspects of war memorial conservation.