ABSTRACT
The essence of modern conservation is founded in the new historical consciousness and in the resulting perception of cultural diversity. The anti-restoration movement criticised restoration architects for the destruction of the historical authenticity of the buildings, and fought for their protection, conservation and maintenance. The principal protagonist in this movement was John Ruskin, whose piercing eye and biting pen detected and denounced any sort of restoration. The beginnings of a concern for historic authenticity in restored buildings could be seen in the principles of the first Prussian Conservator, Ferdinand von Quast. The Manifesto became the formal basis for modern conservation policy. Philip Webb, who had made serious studies of English Gothic architecture, came to see that 'modern medievalism was an open contradiction', and he tried to make buildings of the present day pleasant without pretences of style. Having read the 'Lamp of Memory', Scott thought that Ruskin had gone far beyond him in conservatism.
