European Cultural Heritage Newsletter on Research
The European cultural heritage cannot be preserved without proper care and protective measures. In this field, scientific research provides the key to a long-term conservation strategy, improving knowledge on the processes of natural and anthropogenic decay and ageing of a variety of materials. The "European Cultural Heritage Newsletter on Research" is published quarterly by the European Commission, DG XII, to ensure that the achievements of this research reach a wider audience and to encourage intercommunication between scientists, art historians, architects, restorers, politicians, administrators, journalists and other interested individuals and groups. The Newsletter presents information on research efforts directed towards the development of measures and materials used for conservation and for preventive actions. It focuses on ongoing and completed research undertaken within the EC programmes and also reports on other international research activities contributing to the preservation of the common cultural heritage in Europe. The most recent edition of the Newsletter, Volume 7, No 1-4 (December 1993), contains nineteen research reports grouped under three areas: - Effects of air pollution on historic buildings and monuments (scientific basis for conservation); - The STEP programme. Protection and conservation of the European Cultural heritage, 1989-1992; - The Environment programme, 1991-1994, 1st phase. In addition, a number of essays are included. Meetings, seminars, conferences and courses relevant to this field are announced, and the Newsletter contains reports and reviews of meetings and new publications. The 90-page quarterly has a multidisciplinary approach in order to reach all its audiences and to be understandable to readers with different backgrounds. Material is presented with the support of diagrams, tables and full-colour illustrations.