The difficult Crossing of the Rubicon of the monument restoration in Spain

Abstract

The monument restoration in Spain is passing through a delicate moment after going through one of the most complex periods which started after the process of social recovery leading to democracy. Some political, cultural and professional circumstances of the decade of the 80s, made our monuments go from oblivion to playing a not always sensible leading role. Today, when some facets of that situation have been overcome, the fruits of its positive aspects can be collected (the retrieval of the "creative attitude" towards the project, the appreciation of the monument as historical document, the acceptance of the necessary interprofessional collaboration). Nevertheless, some chronic vices are still being suffered from (the arrogant attitudes of the professionals, the low efficiency level of one part of the Administration, the obsolete legislation, the difficulties in training). The author expresses his hope that, in the context of an obvious "new mentality" towards our heritage of monuments, the economic crisis will favour the consolidation of a "conservation culture" parallel to the renewed and indispensable culture of restoration.