Theory

Anti-restoration ethic (SPAB/Ruskin)

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Restoration destroys authenticity of age; conservation should be limited to repair and 'staving off decay'.

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Details

Introduced: 1849-1877

Connections

opposes Stylistic restoration

Referenced by

William Morris proposed
Philip Webb proposed
The Seven Lamps of Architecture articulates
William Morris influenced
John Ruskin proposed
John Ruskin developed

Sources

Morris, W.; Webb, P. Manifesto of the SPAB. 1877. https://www.spab.org.uk/about-us/spab-manifesto.

Cite this entry

First published May 2026Last revised Jul 2026

CLAD. "Anti-restoration ethic (SPAB/Ruskin)." Atlas of Architectural Thought. CLAD, 2026. https://www.cl-ad.com.au/research/atlas/theory/anti-restoration-ethic/. Accessed July 17, 2026.