ABOUT ARTTA​

In Romania precious old buildings are being destroyed everyday and the most visual part of the country's history is being erased at an alarming rate. The two main causes, inappropriate modernisation and chronic lack of maintenance are resulting in more damage to Romanian architecture than even in the Communist times of Nicolae Ceuasescu. It would be a tragedy for Romania and Romanians, for Europe and the world, if this destruction was to continue. It is the intention of the Anglo-Romanian Trust for Traditional Architecture (ARTTA) to do what it can to prevent such destruction by -  
  • photographically documenting historic villages, both as a record for the future, and so as to identify buildings at risk.
  • carrying out emergency repairs on buildings at risk.
  • training and employing local people to carry out those repairs.
  • supporting the production of high quality traditional materials, especially tiles and bricks, appropriate for the sensitive repair of historic buildings.
  • encouraging and advising on more effective legal protection for historic architecture.
  • encouraging a philosophy of sensitive restoration and proper documentation for the future benefit of communities.
  • training student architects in traditional building techniques.
  • teaching young people of the importance of their built heritage
  • nationally and internationally raising awareness about Romania's historic architecture.

TRUSTEES

William Blacker (Chair, UK)
William lived for eight years (1996-2004) in villages in Romania, both in the Maramures and in the Saxon area of Transylvania. Since the early 1990s he has been working to preserve Romania's endangered architectural heritage, and in 1996 wrote 'The Plight of the Saxons and their Fortified Churches' which attracted money from all around the world to save Romanian architecture. He has recently published a book about life in Romania entitled "Along the Enchanted Way".

William Heathcoat Amory (Treasurer, UK)
William was an investment analyst for 9 years, initially with Brewin Dolphin but for the majority of the time with JPMorgan Cazenove. In May 2008 he co-founded Kepler Partners LLP, an independent fund marketing boutique.​

Thierry Kelaart (Secretary, UK)
Thierry is a former journalist at Prospect Magazine and the Sunday Times.  She went on to work in the Westminster office of Rory Stewart MP and has lived in Iran and Syria. Since time spent in Afghanistan with the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, Thierry has been studying as a Silversmith in London.