5.3.13 Research and Understanding

CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK

5.3.13 RESEARCH AND UNDERSTANDING

See also:

5.3.9 Visitor facilities and access

5.3.10 Interpretation

HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS

The Cathedral has been well researched and continues to be the subject of in-depth publications. This CMP has not sought to replicate this knowledge, but to synthesise the essence of this into a useful tool to support the management of change.

Where necessary, this CMP has set out key texts for further reading but has also been clear on where gaps in our understanding lie. As proposals move forward and further understanding is gained, there will be an opportunity to update this CMP to incorporate new knowledge.

Research is a dynamic process and should not end here. It is also true that this CMP could never capture everything one would wish to know about the Cathedral. The research questions posed by this report should be taken as starting points for future academic study or practical investigation to delve further into the detail of specific components or spaces. Chapter has the opportunity to engage with, adopt and implement the policies set out within this CMP as a working tool for future decision making. The CMP should be made available to all the relevant staff to ensure they are familiar with its contents and the principles that underpin its use.

VULNERABILITIES AND CONFLICTS

There are many areas of research still to address and gaps in knowledge that should be prioritised within future research initiatives. These research questions relate both to the condition and performance of the building as well as a greater understanding of its significance.

Increasing understanding of significance: • Further research into the international context of Coventry

Cathedral, both in terms of its architecture and liturgical form, would be beneficial.

• Archaeological assessments of the ruined cathedral have not yet been as extensive as those at the priory.

• Archaeological investigation at the site of the new cathedral is not extensive.

• Greater certainty on those components of the Cathedral that may, or may not be, designed by Spence. Further research into Spence’s studio practice.

• Systematic interrogation of the Cathedral archives would be beneficial to draw out and shape further research questions. • More research should be carried out into people’s perceptions of the place, including what value they place on it and why. These are likely to change over time and in response to local and national events.

• Understanding of how different audiences engage with the

Cathedral, which will help to inform how spaces could be repurposed.

• Research into what the concept of Reconciliation means to people and how is it understood both locally and internationally. This could be considered alongside how successfully the Cathedral articulates its own perception of reconciliation.

Increasing understanding of building performance: • Further research into conservation solutions that have been successfully trialled on similar Post-War buildings nationally and internationally.

• Monitoring and research into how the built fabric has been and is likely to perform over time. There has been little historic evaluation of repair or original construction methods, which is likely to be detrimental to understanding.

• A good deal of work has been completed to understand the environmental conditions in the building and it is generally understood what needs to be done - but ongoing monitoring of environmental conditions should continue.

CONSERVATION FRAMEWORK

POTENTIAL FOR CHANGE

The above gaps in knowledge and research priorities represent an opportunity to increase understanding. This does not need to be resource-heavy or onerous but can be carried out as part of wider initiatives, providing research is integrated into and prioritised within future strategies. For example, student placements or internships could be used to support archival research; monitoring of condition should already be carried out as part of project investigations; and the expertise of interested parties such as the 20th Century Society could be used to support wider research.

Engagement with local universities or history/archaeology groups would be a beneficial first step, and there is an opportunity to explore new methods of sharing information more widely, including publishing the final reports and opening up works-in-progress for public viewings. There is also an opportunity (possibly as part of a student or volunteer project) to digitise the archival records and artefacts, providing wider intellectual access and seek answers to outstanding research questions.

Partnerships with universities, local or national archives will potentially provide a safe, accessible place to house the Cathedral’s archive material, whilst also creating research opportunities for academics, independent researchers and Cathedral staff and volunteers. MANAGEMENT POLICIES

POLICY 43: Address the gaps in knowledge and research questions as and when resources allow. These should be prioritised based on volunteers and staff resourcing, proposals in specific areas and opportunities for change.

POLICY 44: Research should also be carried out whenever a specific proposal will impact upon any aspect of the heritage significance of the Cathedral.

POLICY 45: As part of initiatives to improve partnership working, build relationships with local universities or interest groups to encourage student placements. PRIORITY ACTIONS

Action

Review the appropriateness of holding the archival collections within the building and seek partners to support a more sustainable solution. C Cathedral Administrator

Priority level Owner

Priority levels: A – within 6 months, B – within 1 year, C – within 2 years