IN RETROSPECT
"The satisfactory results obtained were in very large
measure due to good fortune; and we are left with the very
uncomfortable feeling that the possibility of faithful rest-
oration of important monuments after serious damage is largely &
matter of luck" (Thompson, 1962), The restoration of the dome of
Castle Howard was certainly &ttended by fortuitous circumstances
and, not least, by the involvement of E,H,Thompson who was
capable of bringing a sharp mind to bear on these peculiar
photogrammetric problems, Have we learnt from the lesson which
Castle Howard and Thompson should have taught us? There have been
great advances in architectural photogrammetry during the 20
years which have elapsed since then, Commission V of the
International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing has
played a notable part in those advances, especially since 1968
through the International Committee for Architectural Photo-
grammetry, However, it certainly remains the case that thorough
restoration after dramatic damage or unforeseen circumstances is
likely to owe nearly as much to good fortune now as then, We need
to ask whether photogrammetry could not be used more effectively
to ensure the survival of our architectural heritage.
ACKNOWIEDGEMENTS
Needless to say, this account draws heavily upon the original
article in The Photogrammetric Record (Thompson, 1962; Atkinson,
1977b), The purvose of the present paper is to emphasise the
significance of the original work: plagiarism is not intended,
Figs.l and 5 are copyright Country life. Pigs.2,3 end 4 were
originally supplied by Mr,George Howard and Mr,Trenwith Wills,
Although Fig.6 appeared in Thompson (1962), it was drawn by the
present author!
REFERENCES
Atkinson, K.B,, 1977s, A biographical tribute to Professor E,H,
Thompson, Photogrammetric Record, 9(50): 193-211,
Atkinson, K,B.(Ed), 1977b, Photogrammetry & Surveying.
A selection of papers by E,H, Thompson 1910-1976,
The Photogrammetric Society, London. 359 pages: 108-134,
Thompson, E,H,, 1962, Photogrammetry in the restoration of
Castle Howard, Photogrammetric Record, 4(20): 94-119,
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