| dc.description.abstract | In The Netherlands, there is a growing interest in interior-ensembles. The Dutch Agency for Cultural Heritage focuses on raising awareness about the importance of interior-ensembles. Currently, these ensembles are in danger of splitting up, being sold or damaged. Because the phenomenon is international, this research looks beyond borders to discover inspirational examples of how to preserve interior-ensembles.
With the use of the heritage theories Spirit of Place and the ‘sector, factor, vector’ concept, this thesis focuses on how foreign countries deal with the conservation of interior-ensembles and how these approaches can be inspirational for the conservation of Dutch ensembles. The research focuses on three case studies to gain a deeper understanding of how the interior-ensemble is understood and preserved within their specific context. The case studies are the Anchers Hus in Denmark, the Rotes Haus in Germany, and Skoklosters Slott in Sweden. Using a biographical methodology, an analysis is made of the history of the interior-ensembles and the way in which they present their story to the world. With a critical discourse analysis, as used within the Authorized Heritage Discourse, the leading international discourse on the preservation of historic interiors is analysed and identified.
In conclusion, I argue that the analyses of the case studies show that there are many ways of understanding and preserving interior-ensembles. The case studies move from a static sector-approach to a more dynamic vector-approach. This dynamic way of conserving the interior-ensemble seems to add multiple advantages. By developing the interior-ensemble, a broader awareness is created, while the gain of many perspectives and stories do more justice to the story of the interior-ensemble. The ensembles of Anchers Hus and Skoklosters Slott show how their interiors are used to keep developing the story of their location. The Rotes Haus shows how an interior-ensemble can be used to tell the story of a regional identity. And in Denmark, where, as in The Netherlands, mobile objects are not legally protected as monuments, they offer advice and financial support for mobile objects if an extraordinary relationship with the building is present.
The insights provided by the analysis of the case studies create a more comprehensive and broader understanding of how interior-ensembles can be preserved. The research identifies valuable starting points that offer inspiring possibilities for a better conservation of interior-ensembles in The Netherlands. | |
