About the author
James R. Walker, Metalsmith,
has been repairing, restoring
and preserving metalware since
1966.
The information in this booklet
has been distilled from his
experience,
experiments and research.
“Since I work
in the field of metal preservation, care, restoration and repair, I always
notice metal in need of care. This orientation is at work everywhere I
go. Over the years, as I visit historic sites, I have been saddened by
the appalling condition of their bronze plaques and memorials. I always
leave with the thought that someone should be doing something to correct this.
“Every year thousands of new plaques and memorials are dedicated, not to
mention the ones in cemeteries honoring loved ones who have died. They
have all been carefully selected and installed with the expectation
that
they will serve as a permanent reminder for many generations. But, due
to years of neglect, pollution, vandalism and just exposure to the weather,
the majority of them have become unreadable. This is unfortunate because
the problem could have been prevented, or at least significantly reduced, with
simple steps, using inexpensive materials and supplies.
“I finally decided to start a campaign on my website to bring people
together in behalf of these important parts of our cultural heritage.
Preserving Bronze Plaques and Memorials is part of that campaign.”