Starting a project

War memorials are part of our communities.  They are not static and from time to time they will need work to ensure they are preserved for future generations.  This section is designed to provide all the practical information you need if you are to embark on a conservation project on a war memorial.

• Starting a war memorial restoration project - this helpsheet outlines all the relvant points you should consider when embarking on a war memorial restoration project.
• Addition of names to war memorials - it is sometimes necessary to add names to existing war memorials which were originally omitted, make changes to mis-spelt names or to add names from conflicts subsequent to the one for which the memorial was originally erected.  This helpsheet outlines the issues surrounding the addition of names to war memorials.
• Conservation contacts - this helpsheet provides the contact details of professional conservation and restoration organisations which maybe able to help custodians of war memorials to locate a suitably qualified contractor to carry out work to the memorial.
• Fundraising for war memorial projects - if you are planning to raise money for the restoration of an existing war memorial, to erect a new war memorial or to fund an addition to a war memorial, then this helpsheet provides informal advice about fundraising.
• Preparing a method statement - this helpsheet is designed to help you decide what works should be carried out to a war memorial.  This is not an easy process, especially if you have no previous experience in conservation and repair projects.  Advice is offered on how to identify the required work, where to look on your memorial and potential problem issues.  In addition this helpsheet discusses the necessary information to include to support a grant application.
• Evaluating the site and location of a war memorial - this helpsheet discusses some of the problems associated with war memorials in difficult or inaccessible locations. It provides some suggestions of how to manage the problems to avoid the need for relocation.
• Relocation of war memorials - War Memorials Trust only supports the relocation of war memorials if the structure is at risk or no longer assessible for commemoration.  If relocation is the only option, then this helpsheet outlines the issues which need to be considered.

Please remember that war memorials are historic structures and will require specialist treatment in order to ensure they are preserved correctly.  Therefore specialist advice from conservators working in this field should be sought if necessary.  If you require any further technical advice please complete the request advice form or contact the Conservation Officer on conservation@warmemorials.org or 020 7233 7356.