Defect Atlas — Sculpture & Monuments

General loss of the original worked surface across an area of the sculpture or monument.

Rounded, recessed or roughened surface; loss of tooling marks, drapery folds or modelling crispness compared with sheltered areas.

Prolonged weathering, rainwater run-off pathways and exposure orientation can be associated.

• extent of erosion across the figure or element
• comparison between exposed and sheltered surfaces
• approximate depth of loss where measurable
• any associated loss of carved or modelled detail

“Surface erosion was recorded across the upward-facing surfaces of the figure, with loss of original tooling and softening of drapery folds.”

Loss of surface coherence with grains of material detaching or readily dislodged.

Friable, sandy or powdery surface; loose granules visible on horizontal surfaces and at the base.

Weathering of the binder, salt activity and moisture cycling can be associated.

• extent of friable surface
• presence of detached grains at the base or on ledges
• areas of locally sound material adjacent
• any apparent association with damp or salt deposits

“Granular disintegration was observed on the lower part of the torso, with loose grains accumulating on the plinth below.”

Fine-scale loss of surface coherence producing a granular, sugar-like texture on certain marbles and crystalline stones.

Matt, granular surface with loss of polish and modelling crispness; fine crystals visible at close range.

Thermal cycling, atmospheric exposure and inherent mineralogy of crystalline stones can be associated.

• extent of sugared surface relative to sound areas
• loss of polish or original finish
• presence on exposed compared with sheltered faces
• any associated loss of carved detail

“Sugaring was recorded on exposed marble surfaces of the figure, with associated loss of polish and softening of facial features.”

Loss of thicker surface layers, often as discrete plates lifting from the underlying body.

Detached or detaching plates of material, sometimes with hollow-sounding surfaces and visible cavities behind.

Salt crystallisation behind the surface, moisture cycling and the presence of a denser weathering crust can be associated.

• size and thickness of scales
• whether scales remain partly attached
• presence of cavities or voids behind the surface
• any associated salt deposits

“Scaling was observed on the lower drapery, with detached plates up to 5 mm thick and a hollow sound on light tapping in adjacent areas.”

Detachment of thin surface layers from the body of the sculpture or monument.

Thin, lifting or detached flakes; freshly exposed body visible beneath where flakes have been lost.

Moisture cycling, salt activity and surface weathering of the original skin can be associated.

• extent of flaking across the element
• thickness of flakes where visible
• presence of detached fragments at the base
• any concentration in a particular orientation

“Flaking was recorded across the upper face of the pediment, with thin scales typically 1–2 mm thick.”

Separation of the surface from the underlying body along an internal plane within the material.

Visible internal separation, hollow-sounding areas, sometimes stepped loss exposing successive layers.

Bedding planes within the original stone, prolonged moisture exposure and freeze–thaw action can be associated.

• extent and orientation of delaminated areas
• whether delamination follows bedding planes
• depth of separation where visible
• presence of associated cracking

“Delamination was observed on the rear of the figure, with separation extending approximately 120 mm along a horizontal plane.”

Small, discrete cavities in the surface, isolated or clustered, sometimes obscured by deposits.

Pinpoint to small-diameter pits across the surface, sometimes with associated darkening or staining.

Selective weathering of softer inclusions, atmospheric pollutants and salt activity can be associated.

• distribution and approximate density of pits
• size range of pits
• presence on particular faces or materials
• any associated soiling within the pits

“Pitting was recorded across the polished surfaces of the granite plinth, with clustered pits 1–3 mm in diameter.”

Loss of crispness in modelled or carved surfaces such that original detail is reduced in definition.

Rounded edges to drapery, hair, features or ornament; loss of tooling and carving marks; overall less defined silhouette.

Long-term weathering, cleaning history and surface loss processes can be associated.

• elements most affected by loss of definition
• comparison with sheltered or recently cleaned areas
• approximate depth of surface lost
• evidence of progressive change since earlier records

“Softened modelling was observed on the facial features of the figure, with loss of definition to the eyes, mouth and surrounding modelling.”

Fine cracks visible at close range but with no measurable opening.

Thin linear marks, sometimes following bedding or veining, occasionally with associated staining.

Thermal cycling, minor movement and inherent weaknesses in the material can be associated.

• location and orientation of cracks
• approximate length
• whether cracks appear stable or open at any point
• any associated staining indicating moisture pathways

“Hairline cracking was recorded across the right shoulder of the figure, extending approximately 80 mm and following the original bedding plane.”

Cracks with a measurable opening across part or all of their length.

Visible linear gap, sometimes with vegetation, debris or salt deposits within, occasionally with associated staining.

Past movement, freeze–thaw action, internal corrosion of embedded metal and impact can be associated.

• length and approximate width of crack
• whether the crack passes through to the rear face where visible
• presence of debris, vegetation or salts within the crack
• any associated displacement at the crack

“Open cracking was observed across the upper drapery, with a crack approximately 220 mm long and up to 2 mm wide at its centre.”

A discontinuity passing through the full thickness of an element such that the fabric is divided.

Distinct break running through the section, sometimes with associated displacement or earlier repair material at the join.

Impact, internal stress, embedded metal corrosion and earlier failed repairs can be associated.

• location and orientation of fracture
• evidence of displacement across the fracture
• presence of any earlier repair at the fracture
• whether the fracture is supported by adjacent fabric

“A fracture was recorded through the right arm of the figure, with the lower portion supported by an earlier metal pin visible at the join.”

Detachment of a discrete piece of material leaving a recessed area exposing fresh fabric.

Localised cavity with relatively fresh-looking exposed material; sometimes with detached fragment nearby.

Frost action, salt crystallisation, internal corrosion of fixings and inherent weaknesses can be associated.

• size and depth of spalled area
• whether the detached fragment survives
• any associated cracking radiating from the spall
• presence of corroded metal at the spall location

“Spalling was recorded at the base of the column, with a loss approximately 80 mm across and 30 mm deep adjacent to an embedded iron cramp.”

A piece of original fabric that has separated from the element but remains on or near the monument.

Loose fragment resting on a ledge, the plinth or the ground; recess in the original element from which it has come, where identifiable.

Cracking, fracture, impact, fixing failure and weathering of bedding can be associated.

• location, size and weight of fragment
• matching recess on the parent element if identifiable
• condition of the fragment and the exposed surface
• whether the fragment is in a position posing safety concerns

“A detached fragment was recorded resting on the plinth, approximately 150 mm long, matching a recess on the lower drapery of the figure.”

An area of original fabric that has been lost and is no longer present at the monument.

Recessed area, sometimes with relatively fresh fracture surfaces; absence of an element visible in earlier records.

Past damage, vandalism, theft and uncollected detached fragments can be associated.

• location, size and apparent character of the lost area
• comparison with earlier photographs or records if available
• evidence of the timing of loss from fracture surface condition
• any safety implications of the loss

“A missing fragment was recorded at the tip of the sceptre, with a fracture surface showing weathering consistent with longer-standing loss.”

Departure of the monument from vertical or from its intended alignment.

Visible tilt of the shaft, figure or assembly; opening of joints on one side; departure from adjacent vertical features.

Ground movement, base failure, bedding loss, root action and ground level change can be associated.

• direction and approximate angle of lean where measurable
• comparison with adjacent vertical features
• evidence of associated joint opening or base displacement
• any indication of recent change

“A leaning monument was recorded, with the shaft approximately 25 mm out of plumb to the south at the head, and an associated open joint on the north side of the base.”

An element of the assembly that has moved from its original position.

Visible offset between adjacent components, overhanging or stepped profile, opening at the original bedding line.

Movement of bedding, impact, fixing failure and ground movement can be associated.

• element affected and direction of displacement
• approximate offset where measurable
• associated condition of bedding and fixings where visible
• any safety implications

“A displaced element was recorded at the upper cornice, with one section offset approximately 15 mm to the east from the adjacent stones.”

Visible signs that the plinth or base may no longer be securely seated.

Open joint at the plinth bed, visible movement when assessed at safe distance, gaps between plinth and surround, displaced cover stones.

Failed bedding mortar, ground movement, root action, water washout and earlier disturbance can be associated.

• evidence of opening at the plinth bed and its extent
• presence of debris or vegetation within open joints
• any indication of recent movement
• condition of surrounding paving or ground

“An unstable plinth indicator was recorded as an open joint at the bed of the plinth, approximately 6 mm wide along the north face.”

Visible separation at the bedding joint between the monument and its base or surround.

Linear gap at the junction, sometimes with debris, vegetation or water within.

Loss of bedding mortar, ground movement, freeze–thaw cycling and earlier disturbance can be associated.

• length and width of open joint
• extent around the perimeter
• presence of debris, vegetation or water
• any evidence of associated movement above

“An open joint at the base was recorded along the south face of the plinth, approximately 4 mm wide and extending for 400 mm.”

Visible loss or breakdown of the bedding mortar between plinth components.

Voids, missing mortar, friable or eroded mortar visible at the bedding joint; sometimes with debris washed out below.

Original mortar weathering, salt activity, freeze–thaw and water ingress can be associated.

• extent of missing or friable mortar
• depth of loss where visible
• any associated movement between components
• presence of moisture or staining at the joint

“Failed bedding at the plinth was recorded along the east face, with mortar lost to a depth of approximately 30 mm over a length of 600 mm.”

Colonisation of stone or other sculptural surfaces by lichens of varying colour and habit.

Patches of crustose, foliose or fruticose lichen in white, grey, yellow, orange or black, often following exposure patterns.

Atmospheric conditions, surface texture, orientation and moisture availability can be associated.

• approximate extent of colonisation
• types of lichen where identifiable
• areas of original surface obscured
• any apparent association with surface change beneath

“Lichen colonisation was recorded across the upper surfaces of the monument, with mixed crustose and foliose lichens covering approximately 30% of the assessable area.”

Discolouration of surfaces by algal growth, typically appearing as green or dark patches.

Green, dark green or black film, often on shaded or persistently damp surfaces; sometimes following water run-off pathways.

Sustained moisture, sheltered orientation and proximity to vegetation can be associated.

• extent and location of staining
• relationship to water run-off pathways
• comparison between damp and dry areas
• any apparent association with surface change

“Algae staining was recorded on the north face of the plinth, forming a dark green film below the cornice drip line.”

Establishment of mosses on horizontal surfaces, in joints or within recesses.

Cushioned or matted green growth on ledges, within joints and at the base; sometimes with associated debris retention.

Moisture retention, sheltered orientation and debris accumulation can be associated.

• location and extent of moss growth
• depth of any organic mat
• associated water retention
• any apparent effect on the substrate or joint

“Moss growth was recorded along the upper edge of the plinth, with a continuous mat retained on the horizontal surface.”

Growth of grasses, herbs, shrubs or self-seeded saplings on or immediately around the monument.

Visible plant material rooted in joints, at the plinth bed or in surrounding paving; sometimes with associated displacement.

Debris accumulation in joints, soil ingress and lack of maintenance can be associated.

• species or growth habit where identifiable
• location and rooting position
• evidence of root-related displacement
• any associated joint opening

“Higher plant growth was recorded at the bedding joint of the plinth, with a self-seeded buddleia rooted in a partly open joint on the east face.”

Accumulation of bird droppings on sculpted or commemorative surfaces.

White, grey or dark streaked and crusted deposits on heads, shoulders, upturned surfaces and ledges; sometimes with associated staining and surface change beneath.

Bird perching, nesting and roosting habits and lack of deterrent features can be associated.

• extent and location of guano
• depth of accumulation where visible
• any associated surface change beneath
• presence of nesting evidence

“Bird guano deposit was recorded across the head and shoulders of the figure, with a continuous crusted layer up to 4 mm thick.”

Accumulation of airborne particulates on sculptural and commemorative surfaces.

Grey to dark grey deposit on sheltered surfaces and within recesses; loss of original tone, with cleaner areas where rainwater washes the surface.

Atmospheric pollution, traffic exposure, sheltered orientation and lack of cleaning can be associated.

• extent and distribution of soiling
• relationship to rainwater wash pattern
• areas of cleaner surface for comparison
• any associated obscuring of inscription or detail

“Atmospheric soiling was recorded on the sheltered face of the monument, with a dark grey deposit obscuring tooling marks and reducing legibility of carved detail.”

Hard, dark crust forming on sheltered surfaces, typically composed of accumulated particulates and reaction products.

Black or dark grey crust, sometimes raised above the surface, often on undercuts and under cornices; cleaner areas where rainwater reaches the surface.

Atmospheric pollution, sustained sheltering from rainwater and surface chemistry of the substrate can be associated.

• extent and thickness of crust
• relationship to sheltered geometry
• presence of underlying surface change where crust is detaching
• any cracking, lifting or detachment of the crust

“Black crust was recorded under the cornice of the pediment, with raised areas up to 2 mm thick and localised detachment exposing scaled stone beneath.”

Discolouration following the pathways of rainwater across the monument.

Vertical or diagonal streaks of darker or lighter discolouration following run-off pathways below drip points and joints.

Rainwater pathways, dissolved material from above, atmospheric soiling and surface chemistry can be associated.

• location and direction of staining
• source of run-off where identifiable
• extent of affected area
• any associated surface change

“Water run-off staining was recorded below the upper cornice, with dark vertical streaks extending down the face of the plinth.”

Orange-brown discolouration in the area around an embedded or surface ferrous fixing.

Orange, brown or rust-coloured staining on the substrate, often emanating from a fixing point or following a crack line.

Corrosion of embedded iron or steel cramps, dowels or pins and moisture pathways can be associated.

• location of staining and probable source
• extent and intensity of colour
• any associated cracking around the fixing
• evidence of fixing exposure at the surface

“Iron staining from fixings was recorded around an embedded cramp at the upper joint, with an orange-brown halo approximately 80 mm across.”

Green or blue-green discolouration on stone or other fabric below copper, bronze or brass elements.

Green to blue-green streaks or patches below bronze sculptural elements, copper finials, brass plaques or other non-ferrous components.

Rainwater run-off carrying dissolved corrosion products from non-ferrous metal above can be associated.

• source of staining and run-off pathway
• extent and intensity of staining
• condition of the metal element above
• any associated surface change to the substrate

“Copper staining from adjacent metal was recorded below the bronze plaque, with green-blue streaks extending down the polished granite of the plinth.”

Crystalline salt deposits on the surface of the monument.

White or pale crystalline crusts, fluffy deposits or fine veiling on the surface, sometimes seasonal.

Soluble salts in the masonry, groundwater, de-icing salts and atmospheric inputs can be associated with deposition through moisture cycling.

• location and extent of deposits
• appearance of the underlying surface
• any seasonal variation if known
• presence of associated surface loss

“Salt efflorescence was recorded along the base of the plinth, with intermittent white crystalline deposits up to 300 mm above ground level.”

Reduction or loss of original carved or modelled ornament across the monument.

Softened, partly lost or unreadable carved enrichment, ornament or figurative detail; comparison with earlier records reveals reduction.

Long-term weathering, surface loss processes and cleaning history can be associated.

• elements of detail most affected
• comparison with earlier records where available
• depth of loss relative to original profile
• any concentration on particular exposures

“Loss of carved detail was recorded on the floral ornament of the cornice, with original modelling reduced to a softened profile across the south face.”

Reduction in the readability of an inscription on the monument.

Shallowed, worn or partly lost letterforms; obscured letters within soiled, eroded or biologically colonised areas.

Weathering, surface loss, soiling and biological colonisation can be associated.

• location of affected inscription
• extent of illegibility (single letters, words, lines)
• depth of remaining letter strokes where measurable
• any earlier transcript or photograph available

“Loss of inscription legibility was recorded on the south face of the plinth, with the final two lines partly illegible due to combined surface erosion and lichen colonisation.”

Loss of original pigment, lead, paint or applied infill from incised letterforms.

Partly or wholly empty letter recesses, with traces of original infill surviving in some characters; reduced contrast against the stone.

Weathering, cleaning history and original material durability can be associated.

• extent of infill loss across the inscription
• evidence of original infill material
• letters retaining most legibility
• any associated soiling within recesses

“Inscription infill loss was recorded across the dedication panel, with original lead infill surviving in only the upper letters of the first line.”

Loss of historic painted or gilded finish from inscriptions, mouldings or carved enrichment.

Patchy survival of paint or gilding in sheltered recesses, with bare stone or substrate across exposed areas.

Weathering, cleaning, surface loss beneath and ageing of the finish can be associated.

• extent and location of surviving finish
• colour, type and condition of remnants
• evidence of multiple historic schemes
• vulnerability of remaining traces

“Paint or gilding remnant loss was recorded on the carved coat of arms, with traces of red and gilded finishes surviving only within the deeper recesses.”

Loss of applied bronze, lead, ceramic or other letters or fixings from a dedication or inscription.

Empty fixing holes, ghost outlines of former letters, partial survival of some characters; sometimes with detached letters retained on site.

Fixing corrosion, vandalism, theft and weathering can be associated.

• letters or elements missing
• evidence of fixing holes and their condition
• presence of detached letters retained nearby
• any associated staining at fixings

“Applied lettering loss was recorded on the dedication, with five of the bronze letters missing and matching fixing holes visible in the stone.”

Earlier mortar, resin or composite fill that is no longer performing as intended.

Cracking, shrinkage, detachment or partial loss of the fill; visible gap at the interface with original fabric.

Material incompatibility, original workmanship, weathering and movement can be associated.

• location and extent of fill
• type and apparent age of the repair where assessable
• nature of the failure (cracking, detachment, loss)
• condition of adjacent original fabric

“A previous fill failure was recorded on the lower drapery, with a mortar repair cracked across its width and partly detached at the interface with the original stone.”

Repair mortar that appears denser, harder or more impervious than the original substrate.

Repair material standing proud or sharply defined against the substrate, often with associated damage to the adjacent original at the interface.

Use of cementitious or hard proprietary mortars on softer historic substrates can be associated.

• location and extent of repair
• appearance and apparent hardness compared with substrate
• any associated damage to adjacent original
• evidence of multiple historic repair campaigns

“Incompatible repair mortar was recorded on the upper plinth, with a hard grey patch standing slightly proud of the surrounding stone and associated erosion at the adjacent original surface.”

Earlier adhesive bond, often resin-based, used to reattach detached fragments or close cracks.

Visible glue lines, discoloured residues, sometimes with associated staining of adjacent fabric.

Past use of resins or adhesives not specified for the substrate or exposure conditions can be associated.

• location and extent of adhesive repair
• appearance of the bond and any associated discolouration
• evidence of failure or movement at the join
• any associated staining of adjacent material

“An inappropriate adhesive repair was observed at the join of the right arm, with a yellowed resin bead visible along the joint and associated darkening of the adjacent stone.”

A component of the monument that has been replaced with new material in an earlier intervention.

Differing material, tooling or weathering compared with adjacent original; visible joint at the interface with surviving fabric.

Past damage, programmed maintenance and phased replacement of failed elements can be associated.

• location and extent of replacement
• comparison of material and tooling with original
• condition of the replacement and the joint
• any documentation of the earlier intervention

“A replacement element was recorded at the upper cornice, with a single section of differing tooling and slightly varied stone bedded in cementitious mortar.”

Areas where earlier cleaning appears to have removed original surface beyond accumulated soiling.

Pale, abraded or unusually smooth surface, sometimes with sharp transitions to less cleaned areas; loss of tooling crispness in cleaned zones.

Earlier use of inappropriate cleaning methods or abrasive techniques can be associated.

• extent and location of affected surface
• comparison with adjacent uncleaned areas
• evidence of tool or media marks
• any associated loss of carved detail

“An overcleaned surface was recorded across the lower plinth, with a pale, abraded appearance and visible loss of original tooling along an irregular boundary.”

Visible patterns left by abrasive media or mechanical cleaning equipment.

Linear, circular or stippled patterns on the surface; loss of original tooling; sometimes with a slight halo at the boundary of treated areas.

Past use of grit blasting, mechanical brushing or other abrasive techniques can be associated.

• type of pattern observed
• extent and orientation across the element
• loss of original tooling within affected areas
• any associated change in colour or texture

“Abrasive cleaning marks were recorded across the rear of the plinth, with a stippled pattern consistent with earlier grit blasting and associated loss of fine tooling.”

Visible evidence that an embedded metal dowel or pin may be corroding within the fabric.

Linear iron staining, localised cracking, spalling or surface lift in the area of a known or suspected fixing.

Embedded ferrous fixings, water ingress and incompatible bedding can be associated.

• location and apparent extent of staining or cracking
• relationship to known fixing positions if recorded
• evidence of associated movement or spall
• presence of moisture pathways above the affected area

“A metal dowel corrosion indicator was recorded as iron staining and a 60 mm crack at the join of the figure to the plinth, consistent with corrosion of an embedded dowel.”

Iron staining or surface damage associated with an internal armature or supporting framework.

Diffuse or linear iron-coloured staining following the apparent route of an armature, sometimes with associated cracking or surface lift.

Internal ferrous armatures, water ingress and breakdown of original protective measures can be associated.

• extent and pattern of staining
• any associated cracking aligned with the armature
• evidence of expansion or movement
• history of the element where known

“Armature corrosion staining was recorded along the upper torso of the figure, with a vertical iron stain and an associated hairline crack consistent with an internal supporting member.”

Local loss of original material at a fixing point.

Recessed or broken area immediately around a fixing, sometimes with the fixing partly exposed; associated cracking or spall.

Fixing corrosion, mechanical overload, repeated use of the fixing and weathering can be associated.

• location and extent of loss
• exposure and condition of the fixing
• any associated cracking
• implications for security of the fixing

“Loss around a fixing was recorded at the lower bracket, with a 30 mm spall exposing the upper part of a corroded iron cramp.”

Visible movement of an applied commemorative plaque relative to its host fabric.

Gap at the perimeter of the plaque, movement when lightly checked at safe distance, associated staining from fixings.

Fixing corrosion, failed bedding, vibration and impact can be associated.

• extent and direction of perceived movement
• condition of visible fixings
• presence of associated staining
• any safety implications for visitors

“Commemorative plaque loosening was recorded on the south face, with a gap of approximately 3 mm at the upper edge and visible iron staining at two of the fixings.”

Establishment of grasses, weeds or shrubs against or within the base of the monument.

Plant growth abutting or rooted in joints at the plinth, sometimes obscuring inscription or carved detail at low level.

Lack of maintenance, soil and debris build-up at the base, and water retention can be associated.

• extent and proximity of vegetation to the monument
• evidence of root penetration into joints
• any obscuring of inscription or carved detail
• associated soiling or staining at the base

“Base vegetation growth was recorded around the south and east faces of the plinth, with grass and self-seeded ivy obscuring the lower 200 mm of the inscription panel.”

Difference between the original and current ground level at the foot of the monument.

Soil, paving or gravel banked against the base; alternatively, ground lowered away from an originally buried plinth course.

Landscaping changes, accumulated debris, alterations to paving and adjacent groundworks can be associated.

• direction and approximate extent of ground level change
• evidence of originally buried or originally exposed surfaces
• any associated dampness or staining
• implications for drainage at the base

“A ground level change around the base was recorded on the north side, with current paving approximately 80 mm above the original plinth chamfer.”

Evidence of standing water collecting against the base or on associated horizontal surfaces.

Tide marks, persistent dampness, algal staining, salt deposits and debris accumulation at the base; ponded water observed after rainfall.

Failed drainage, ground level change, settlement of paving and blocked outlets can be associated.

• extent and location of evidence of pooling
• comparison between persistently wet and dry areas
• associated staining or biological growth
• condition of any drainage features

“Pooling at the base was indicated by a tide mark approximately 50 mm above paving along the north face of the plinth, with associated algal staining.”

Disturbance, settlement or displacement of paving or kerbs around the monument.

Uneven, tilted, cracked or missing paving units; trip hazards adjacent to the plinth; gaps between paving and base.

Ground movement, tree root action, vehicle loading and earlier excavation can be associated.

• location and extent of disturbed paving
• evidence of associated movement at the plinth
• presence of trip hazards or safety concerns
• any apparent association with vegetation or services

“Surround paving disturbance was recorded on the west side of the monument, with two paving slabs tilted and a 20 mm step formed adjacent to the plinth.”

Persistent dark or discoloured zone at the base of the monument associated with sustained moisture.

Darker band of stone along the lower courses, sometimes with associated salt deposits, biological growth or surface change above the paving.

Rising moisture, splash from adjacent paving, blocked drainage and ground level change can be associated.

• height and continuity of damp zone
• associated salts, biological growth or surface loss
• evidence of moisture pathways
• any seasonal change if known

“Damp staining at the base was recorded as a continuous darker zone extending approximately 250 mm above paving level around all faces of the plinth.”

Wear of original surface associated with repeated visitor contact.

Polished, lightened or worn zones at handling points, on protruding features, on lower limbs of figures or at accessible inscriptions.

Visitor handling, traditional touching practices and accessibility of features can be associated.

• location and extent of worn area
• comparison with adjacent unworn surface
• any associated loss of carved detail
• evidence of progressive wear if known

“Visitor abrasion was recorded on the foot of the figure, with a polished, lightened area approximately 80 mm across and associated softening of the modelling.”

A discrete chipped or fractured area resulting from contact or impact.

Localised loss with relatively fresh fracture surfaces; sometimes with detached fragment retained nearby.

Accidental contact, dropped objects, vehicle proximity and vandalism can be associated.

• location, size and depth of chip
• freshness of fracture surface
• presence of associated fragments
• any associated cracking extending beyond the chip

“An impact chip was recorded on the corner of the plinth, approximately 40 mm across and 15 mm deep, with relatively fresh fracture surfaces consistent with recent damage.”

Loss of material along the edge or arris of a plinth, cornice or step.

Rounded, chipped or missing edge; loss of original arris; sometimes with associated cracking.

Repeated contact, weathering, impact and earlier damage can be associated.

• location and extent of edge loss
• depth of loss compared with intended profile
• any associated cracking
• evidence of repeated damage in the same area

“Edge loss was recorded along the upper arris of the plinth on the west face, with continuous loss extending approximately 600 mm and chips up to 25 mm into the profile.”

Applied marks, writing or images on the monument that are not part of its original or historic fabric.

Painted, marker, etched or scratched marks; sometimes with associated discolouration of substrate.

Public access, lack of surveillance and prevailing local conditions can be associated.

• location, extent and type of graffiti
• depth where incised or scratched
• evidence of earlier graffiti or earlier removal attempts
• any associated surface change

“Graffiti was recorded on the rear of the plinth, comprising spray-painted lettering covering an area approximately 600 mm by 300 mm.”

Deposits and staining from candles, votive offerings or commemorative practices on or around the monument.

Wax runs, drips and patches on surfaces; localised darkening or sooting around candle positions; associated debris on plinths and steps.

Commemorative or devotional practices, accessibility and lack of designated provision can be associated.

• location and extent of wax deposits
• associated sooting or staining
• evidence of repeated practice in the same area
• any associated surface change

“Wax or candle staining was recorded on the upper step of the monument, with multiple wax runs and a darkened area approximately 200 mm across.”

Observation of a condition with potential implications for the safety of visitors or passers-by.

Loose or overhanging fragments, sharp broken edges at low level, trip hazards in surrounds, leaning elements in publicly accessible locations.

Loss, displacement, impact, ground change and lack of barrier provision can be associated.

• nature and location of the condition
• accessibility to the public
• evidence of recent change
• any temporary measures already in place

“A public safety observation was recorded at the upper cornice, where a fragment appears to be detached at the front edge of a publicly accessible monument.”