Narch (or Norwich, for the Normal...)

[Nemesis]

http://www.icomos-uk.org/


New video.

 

[Moo]

Thanks for that, Nemesis.

But what a missed opportunity. All those talking heads and pointless cutaways to the audience, little snippets of un-named views, and they seem to have left the editing to the tea-lady.
Just down the road from St Andrew's Hall (the one with the organ) they have an Art School with a graphics department that is full of bright young students who could have done a brilliant job for them. I despair.

 

[Nemesis]

I don't think it was meant to be mass entertainment, not what ICOMOS is about. More a record, really, of the workshops.

http://icomos-uk.org/features/spirit_of_place/

This on-going web feature on ‘Finding the Spirit of Place’ will explore different ways in which the historic environment, cultural, tourism and heritage sectors are using the concept of a spirit or sense of place to bring value to local communities that live in the areas that people visit. It will primarily be based on a series of three workshops which took place between 2006 and 2008. The Norwich Accord is a proposal for a charter which was discussed at the end of the last workshop in Norwich. ICOMOS-UK members will be debating this Accord online and as consensus develops we shall be posting more information as part of this feature.

Finding the Spirit of Place is an initiative of the ICOMOS-UK Cultural Tourism Committee.

 

[Moo]

I take your point, Nemesis, but still feel that something is posted on the web to inform a much wider audience than just those who are immediately concerned.
Fewer 'heads' and more illustration would have given much more meaning to what we heard. As it was, it was a muddle - for example, we were jumped from the cathedral to St Andrews Hall without any explanation that we were looking at two different buildings: I live in the city, but only recognised St Andrews because of the organ. And they really could have shown us a better part of King Street; it isn't all tacky workshops.

 

[Nemesis]

I don't think ICOMOS has a large staff, and it was more intended as information / a record for professionals working in conservation than as entertainment. Members can further discuss the issues via the forum.

 

[Penners]

Fewer 'heads' and more illustration would have given much more meaning to what we heard.

I rather agree, Moo, but I suppose ICOMOS were more concerned with demonstrating what they're about.

As general comment on Naarch (from a non-resident), if anyone on this forum has never been there, I do urge you to put it at the top of your visit list. I have a daughter who lives a few miles away, so have had the opportunity and privilege to get to know it, albeit only scratching the surface so far. It's completely captivating - not just for the beauty of many of the "grand" buildings, but also for its vernacular architecture, its street plan, and (for me) most of all its unique atmosphere and character.

I've formed the opinion that Norwich's greatest benefit is that it's out on a limb. Stuck up there in the bulgey bit of East Anglia, it isn't really near anywhere. And for this reason it has retained its individual character and identity perhaps more than any other city that I know.

And when you do visit, don't miss Dragon Hall (which you saw in the ICOMOS film). It's a wonderful building with an utterly fascinating history.

 

[Nemesis]

Well, I understood it, and what it was about, it was more an illustrated lecture to disseminate information than TV travel prog, and not intended as a advertising promo to induce tourism. I'm sure ICOMOS-UK will be delighted if Moo calls them up and complains though, and offers to help with future productions.

Ages since I've been to Norwich. Towns which the world passed by are getting more rare though. No doubt some comprehensive redevelopment plan will come forward soon. Tesco will be involved, and an iconic tower.

 

[Penners]

Well, it already has its iconic tower, on the City Hall. I can't say that the exterior of the building is to my taste, but I know that many disagree with me, including a certain distinguished member of this forum. Pevsner called it "the foremost English public building of between the wars".

I just find it a bit boring.

 

[Moo]

I'm sure ICOMOS-UK will be delighted if Moo calls them up and complains though, and offers to help with future productions.

What an excellent idea, Nemesis. It would be very rude of me to ring them up and complain, but I'd certainly be delighted to help.

 

[Nemesis]

Oh, I'm sure they will welcome you with open arms, as they can't afford Spielberg probably. Tell them you're from Norwich and I'm sure they'll treat you gently.

 

[Penners]

Tell them you're from Norwich and I'm sure they'll treat you gently.

Like a priceless porcelain figurine. :wink:

 

[Nemesis]

Yup, I'm sure they'll have lots of padding.