Principles of Preservation: the Influence of Viollet, Ruskin, and Morris on Historic Preservation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of influence the nineteenth-century preservation theories of Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc, John Ruskin, and William Morris had on modern historic preservation by examining each man's theories and the history and principles of various modern preservation organizations. Modern preservation organizations have built upon the principles of Viollet, Ruskin, and Morris. Some organizations have followed only the principles of Ruskin and Morris. Others have combined the differing theories of Ruskin, Morris and Viollet into a more encompassing preservation ideal. Aspects of historic preservation have changed, but the need for a passionate movement remains.