Churches are valuable not only for their significance within Christian religion, but also because of the historic value of the buildings themselves, and the artistic objects, furnishings and decorative features contained within them. This book explains the techniques and artistry involved in caring for the fabric and contents of churches. It considers the problems of cleaning and repair, and the damage that can be done by over-zealous non-specialists. The contributions to this book are wide-ranging and each chapter is written by a highly regarded specialist in his/her field. In addition to offering guidance on the conservation of stained glass, sculpture, textiles, metalwork, floors, furniture, decorative plaster work, paintings and so on, the book also covers the technical aspects of creating the right environment with the heating, ventilation and lighting of the building. The advice this volume contains should be essential reading for everyone concerned with the care and upkeep of churches.

Altogether this book makes a really valuable contribution to the better care and appreciation of church treasures SPAB News The weight of sound practical advice contained in this volume should make it compulsory reading for every churchwarden and PCC member in the land Context

Peter Burman MBE, Dphil, SSA Peter Burman is an architectural historian who studied at the Department of Architecture and Fine Art, University of Cambridge, and at the International Centre for Conservation and Restoration, Rome. He has been Secretary of the Church of England's Council for the Care of Churches and Cathedral Fabric Commission for England; and Director of the Centre for Conservation Studies, University of York. Currently he is Director of Conservation and Property Services for the National Trust for Scotland.