Public Monuments and Sculpture Association: Preserving Britain's Artistic Heritage
The Public Monuments and Sculpture Association (PMSA) was established with a clear and ambitious mission: to elevate public awareness of Britain's monumental heritage. By focusing on the past, present, and future of public art, the association sought to foster a deeper dialogue regarding the sculptures and monuments that define the British landscape.
The PMSA's work spanned a vast chronological range, from the Stuart monarchy to the modern era. Its efforts were not limited to the preservation of existing works; the association actively campaigned for the listing, protection, and restoration of historic pieces while simultaneously promoting the commissioning of new public sculptures to ensure the tradition continued.
Key Facts
- Primary Goal: Heightening public awareness and ensuring the protection and restoration of British public monuments.
- Scope: Covers public sculpture from the Stuart monarchy to the present day.
- Membership: Subscriptions opened in May 1991, with membership stabilizing at approximately 250 people.
- Key Publications: The Sculpture Journal and the Public Sculpture of Britain series.
- Major Initiatives: The National Recording Project and the Save our Sculpture (SoS) campaign.
Founding and Leadership
The association was brought to life by a dedicated group of experts. The founding members included Jo Darke, writer and broadcaster Paul Atterbury, Ian Leith of the National Monuments Record, and Catherine Moriarty, who served as the Co-ordinator of the National Inventory of War Memorials.
From its inception, the PMSA received significant encouragement and support from sculpture scholar Benedict Read, as well as metal sculpture conservators Andrew and Janet Naylor.
Major Projects and Collaborations
To achieve its goals, the PMSA launched several high-impact initiatives and partnered with prestigious institutions, including English Heritage, the UK Institute of Conservators, and University College Dublin.
Research and Documentation
In 1991, the PMSA initiated the National Recording Project, a systematic effort to document public art. This commitment to scholarship led to a collaboration with Liverpool University Press to produce the Public Sculpture of Britain series and the establishment of the bi-annual Sculpture Journal.
Public Advocacy and Guidance
The association provided practical support through an advisory service and the distribution of newsletters. One of its most significant contributions to private collectors and heirs was the Custodians Handbook, first published in 2005. This guide offers essential advice to individuals who inherit the studios, archives, memorabilia, or artworks of sculptors.
Community Vigilance and Digital Innovation
The Save our Sculpture (SoS) campaign was created to empower the general public to act as guardians of their local heritage. Members were encouraged to monitor neighborhood sculptures and report any signs of negligence or damage to the PMSA. Additionally, the association worked toward the creation of a digital database to catalog public sculptures and monuments for easier access and study.
| Initiative/Publication | Purpose | Key Partner/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| National Recording Project | Systematic documentation of public art | Launched 1991 |
| Public Sculpture of Britain | Academic series on British sculpture | Liverpool University Press |
| Sculpture Journal | Bi-annual scholarly publication | PMSA Publication |
| Custodians Handbook | Guidance for heirs of sculptors | Published 2005 |
| Save our Sculpture (SoS) | Public monitoring of sculpture damage | Community-led campaign |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main purpose of the PMSA?
The primary aim was to increase public awareness of Britain's monumental heritage and to campaign for the listing, preservation, and restoration of public monuments and sculptures.
Which time periods did the PMSA cover?
The association's scope extended from the Stuart monarchy through to the present day.
What is the Custodians Handbook?
Published in 2005, it is a guide designed to help families and individuals manage the inheritance of a sculptor's works, archives, studios, and memorabilia.
How did the Save our Sculpture (SoS) campaign work?
The SoS campaign encouraged members of the public to keep watch over sculptures in their own neighborhoods and report any damage or neglect to the PMSA.
Who were the founding members of the association?
The founders were Jo Darke, Paul Atterbury, Ian Leith, and Catherine Moriarty.