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From the Editor

• Languages of publication: PL EN

Abstracts

EN

The process o f privatization is perceived by conservators o f historical relics as a somewhat sensational phenomenon. An owner of works of art which are regarded by already a second generation as national treasures, now voices his daims. C/oseby, a magnificent palace, the pride of conservators who contributed to its excellent state of preservation, and cherished by numerous museum staff, faces a Perspektive of being no longer a state but a private patronage. The time has also come for the elimination o f wrongs suffered by our profession. It would not be very original to remind that this is only part of a much wider process, although practical steps w ill have an essential impact on the further state of national culture. / believe that apart from drawing attention to the invevitab/e nature o f this phenomenon, it is also worthwile to express the conviction that the intention of putting unjust acts right, quite naturally, should avoid a successive wave of undertakings which would give rise to protest. There are no reasons for anxiety although profound changes must take place. Let us leave the whole issue to the lawyers, politicians and persons directly interested. The task of the conservators is, in the first place, to safeguard the historical legacy o f the whole nation. This activity can be conducted in a rational manner regardless o f the current status o f the owner, and the recently ammenaed law is a good instrument, especially when supported by ammended executive acts. It is possible to foresee the further development of events. In the first place, we must tackle the basic legal-administrative work. The owners o f historical monuments must be personally informed about their rights and obligations. The system of financing conservation must become open dear for the interested person. Indubitably, it w ill be necessary to rethink and implement the socialized evaluations and decisions concerning the needs declared by the owners. Presumably, a grater part o f the conservation budget intended for restoration w ill be assigned for work on private monuments. I f we succeed in convincing public opinion that the basic duty o f the owners o f an historical monument is concern for a sensible exploitation o f the edifice, and that the conservation services are an amicable partner- an adviser primarily, but one who offers financial assistance depending on his funds, and whose opinions help to secure bank credits and contributes to lowering the rates, then we shall make a great step forward. The existing course o f activity, based on directives, albeit in accordance with the law, w ill undoubtedly not ensure success. The economic reality of the coming years will certainly not turn the voivodship conservator of monuments into a friend who willingly makes use of his budget to support justified and necessary work. He w ill rather devote more time to aiding the search for less costly methods and workers, and to suggesting conservation in stages, in order to efectivel/y halt the disintegration o f historical objects. The sooner we accept such an attitude, the greater the chances created by us for effective work which w ill assure the employees o f the State Service for the Protection o f Monuments much personal satisfaction in conditions which shall be by no means easy for quite some time.

• Publisher: Narodowy Instytut Dziedzictwa
• Journal: Ochrona Zabytków
• Year: 1991
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 143-144

Dates

published

1991

Contributors

Identifiers

ISSN

0029-8247