ABSTRACT
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, founded by the artist and craftsman William Morris in 1877, sought to preserve the integrity of historic buildings by preventing unnecessary changes and additions. William Morris’s intention and that of the SPAB, as outlined by the original manifesto, was that buildings of any period had a life that was best protected through the conservative repair of what was falling into ruin and the prevention of injury to buildings by safeguarding them as much as possible and practical. Throughout its history the SPAB maintained these ideals. One simply has to view the SPAB website, read the current SPAB newsletter, attend a meeting, or observe the nature of current SPAB work to see not only the credit which has been given to Morris and his original ideals but also to see how these ideals continue to guide the SPAB in its current work.1 Morris’s organization of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, his passion for the Society and what it stood for, and his Manifesto express his principles towards restoration and preservation and explain his intense desire to effect change in the restoration practices of his time. Vital to the integrity of the SPAB, both in 1877 and today, this Manifesto provides the backbone to the organization.
