Aimée L Felton 2012

17 Chapter Two - Context Europe is currently leading the exploration into adapted legislation and maintenance specific organisations, with the best practice case study emerging from The Netherlands with Monumentenwacht (Monument Watch). The organisation is being credited for the recent rise in awareness and publicity in conservation literature, with owners of historic building, subscribing to regular information instalments. The Dutch have created a private initiative launched in defence of historic monuments, providing a centre of information, a veritable mine of any related help and guidance for any historic building owner (Weaver,M, 1986:p10). Eager to encourage a move away from the high publicity ‘glory’ restoration projects, Monumentenwacht focuses on preventive measures,both in terms of preventing unnecessary deterioration to the building stock but also the associated increased financial burden and economic strain caused by poor building maintenance.This is achieved through a dual strategy with the organisation run as part of a smaller localised system, removed from governmental powers. Although removed from governmental jurisdiction the organisation has an acknowledged role in policy, this is most clearly seen with the wide range of tax deductions and government subsidies offered without owner income assessment but simply in conjunction with owning a historic building. Apart from primary funding and financial aid differences between the Dutch system and the UK, there are philosophical and theoretical differences in the very definition of heritage and the mandatory obligations that correlate with ownership. In order to qualify as historic monuments in the Netherlands, structures whether buildings, towns or landscapes have to be at least 50 years old and of significant public interest due to beauty, significance or cultural value (Richel-Bottinga, S as cited in Pickard, R. 2001:p252). Chapter Two Context Two•One Exemplar 21st Century Approach TWO Aimee Felton