About us
ICOMOS
ICOMOS was founded in 1965 in Warsaw, Poland. Its foundation was inspired by the 1964 Venice International Charter on the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites. More commonly known as the Venice Charter, this still remains a benchmark for the world's conservation community. ICOMOS Committees have now been set up in more than 110 countries.
ICOMOS is concerned with furthering the conservation, protection, rehabilitation and enhancement of monuments, groups of buildings and sites, at the national and the international level. Through over 110 national committees, and more than 7,000 members worldwide, it provides a forum for professional dialogue. ICOMOS has special responsibility as adviser to UNESCO on cultural World Heritage sites.
ICOMOS-UK
The ICOMOS-UK Committee was formed in 1965. ICOMOS-UK's remit is to:
- Provide a forum for all those involved in the conservation of cultural heritage.
- Facilitate professional dialogue and exchange on both specialist and general conservation issues.
- Work for higher standards in the conservation of cultural heritage.
- Play a leading role in implementing the World Heritage Convention within the UK and in promoting exemplar custodianship of World Heritage sites
- Provide links with the international network of ICOMOS members
- Promote international best practice through publications, research, conferences and seminars
- Promote education and training programmes for conservation work
- Encourage a wide understanding of the scope and value of cultural heritage
- Encourage cultural tourism initiatives
Its work is guided by the ICOMOS-UK Strategic Plan 2006-8. ICOMOS-UK's world heritage work is supported by English Heritage, Historic Scotland and Cadw.