Sir, - As the body representing accredited conservators/restorers in Ireland, we wish to contribute to the debate concerning the proposal to return the Asgard to active service.
The institute's raison d'etre is to ensure that artefacts of historic and artistic importance are preserved so that they do not deteriorate as a result of vandalism, neglect, the passage of time, or exposure to inappropriate environmental conditions. We know that, unfortunately, this is an aspiration which is not always achieved and that sometimes an artefact which has deteriorated will require conservation treatment and possibly restoration. When a decision is taken to conserve such an artefact, an internationally accepted code of ethics dictates the course and extent of treatment. Crucially, there is an imperative to retain as much of the original material as possible.
In the case of the Asgard, the yacht has been out of the water in a museum situation since 1979. The structure, most of which we believe to be original, has acclimatised to the conditions in which it has been kept since then. Those who propose to return the yacht to the sea will have to make allowances for this, in addition to determining how much of the original wood and iron work will have to be replaced so that the yacht will conform to the more stringent health and safety requirements demanded today.
The institute's greatest concern is that the efforts to render the Asgard seaworthy again, or in effect "rebuild" her, would result in further loss of the original artefact. Another concern is, that should the project prove more expensive than anticipated, the yacht could well become a skeleton on dry land, as has happened elsewhere.
We believe that it would be much more fitting and appropriate to conserve the Asgard to the highest standards, conforming to the accepted principles of good practice, thereby maintaining her integrity and prolonging her chances of survival. She could then be exhibited in a sympathetic environment, using modern display techniques to instruct and delight future generations. - Yours, etc.,
Anthony Cains, John Kelly, Adrian Kennedy, Niamh McGuinne, Maighread McParland, Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works in Ireland, Merrion Square, Dublin 2.