Eustace is the name for my growing collection of narratives that touch upon history, material culture, heritage and place, and the intangible benefits that they bring to us as individuals and communities.
They provide nuanced counter-narratives to threats to our historic environment whether it be the mightiest cathedral or the collective thumbprint on an ancient latch.
The articles are updated regularly and you can access them at the bottom of this page. The aim is to help others. They are accessible to everybody.
“In our world," said Eustace, "a star is a huge ball of flaming gas." “Even in your world, my son, that is not what a star is, but only what it is made of.”
C.S Lewis in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Below is a growing rattle-bag and tool kit of stories that provide a philosophy for the appreciation, support and advocacy of the historic environment.
It is built upon a background in literature, history and building conservation, and filtered through an immersive vocation in the historic environment over the last 20 years as an architectural photographer.
The truth of the matter is that many of our significant places are priceless beyond measure and the argument for their significance is complex and often based upon the intangible.
How do we counteract emotionally charged arguments against places that are deemed to be insignificant amidst today’s trials and tribulations?
Unfortunately, there are no sound-bite answers to how significant historic places are to us, and this doesn’t sit well with the immediacy of our data-driven, cost-benefit world.
Not everything that is important is measurable. If we can’t see it, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t there or any less significant.
If you’re working in the historic environment or are simply trying to save your local historic building - these articles might be able to help. They are also for people interested in history, architecture, photography and ways of seeing.
I encourage you to draw from them, share them, and engage with them.
Eustace is dedicated to the memory of David Morris who taught me never to give up in the face of overwhelming odds. He saved many buildings, places, spaces and landscapes for the better of the communities he served.
Access Eustace here:
Eustace is updated regularly with new content.
Andy Marshall
Do you have a story to tell that might help others?
If you do, drop me a line and I'll do my best to share it here on Eustace.
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