Műemlék-helyreállítások tegnap, ma, holnap (A 27. Egri Nyári Egyetem előadásai 1997 Eger, 1997)

Előadások - The phylosophy of monument restoration Debate – moderator: András ROMÁN

demonstrate more periods in a meaningful way. That is why I said that the building had to talk after a good restoration. It has to talk about the beauty and the research. It is hard to express it in words. Gerő László said: „that theory is not important, the renovation must be perfect." Tamás Fejérdy I would like to add that it is a very brave assumption that everybody should know the code of monument demonstration. Because this is not the main point. The main point is that the building should talk and reflect some kind of complexity. It can be schematic or magnificient or it shows its periods or fragments, etc. I do not think it is a requirement that everybody should understand all the details. As the average listener does not know the scor when he listens to and enjoys the music. And some words about relation between the monuments and the society. It is true, that the protector of the monuments should be more and more opened toward the society. Only collective work has a result. But I must tell that good results could not have been reached without the public in the last decades as well. The public rejected those things soon which were against its will. They do not keep it, they repaint is. We have to believe in the common, simple people. We could mention many examples when simple peasants in small villages accepted, understood and finally thanked the renovation of the church and they enjoyed themselves in it. Of course, a lot depends on whether the protectors, the supporters want to give something to the community and handle them as partners or they just order in the name of the authority. In the latter case we cannot talk about monument protection. This kind of person may win the case of a particular historic monument, but will lose the case of monument protection. A lot depends on the human factors and the community. But wc do not have to accept the average judgement of the public. The monument and the person who protects it have to be the most advanced, Of course, there will be conflicts and at first the protector will not be accepted. He has to learn how to endure the defeat. The main thing is that the ratio between the good results and the defeats must be accepted as well. Vladimir Lezu 1 cannot tell new things, but I would like to emphasize some points. I thought that nobody would talk about the major task and purpose of the monument protection, but András did. The major task is the protection of values. Because there are many theses about monument protection and there is one practice. And those conditions which are needed for a good restoration are not present all the time. We must not cause damages in the monuments, mainly not irreversible damages. This often happened in the last few years. The city buildings which were not used earlier now are operated. The owner wants them to operate as soon as possible. And if we cannot renovate the building with the best conditions, then he wants at least such conditions that make the building suitable for usage. And he wants another renovation in 10, 20 or 30 years. This is only one thing. The other thing that I like is the Japanese example. They maintain the historic buildings and they promote the knowledge, the profession. And this is a cultural value. It is at least as difficult a task as to save a building. I would like to highlight it and this will improve the relation between the community and the monuments. And this should be taught since chilhood, but not just since childhood. The protectors must lead a discussion among themselves and with the public. I would underline the process of adult education.