ABSTRACT
The foundation stone of the V&A's main building in London was laid by Queen Victoria in May 1899 and the building was completed in 1906. The fagade, made principally from red brick and Portland stone, was designed by Aston Webb and includes some intricate sculpting carving and statues. The bright colours of the brick and Portland stone and details in the carvings had become totally obscured by thick black surface accretions and soiling from air borne pollutants eighty years after its completion (Fig. 12.1).
