This is a book about architectural conservation. Today conservation receives unprecedented attention as a direct reflection of a more general interest in memory that has been apparent during the last few decades. During this period, we have witnessed an increasing desire for the per-petuation of memories from the past, a desire that applies to every aspect of our culture. There is widespread investment in the construction of new museums and the restoration or extension of existing ones, in the erection of new memorials, in building new libraries and conducting genealogical and biographical research, in the organisation of commem-orative events and the revival of nearly extinct traditions, in the explora-tion of dark and difficult periods of repressed history that are now being brought to the surface, and so on. This desire to perpetuate memories does not manifest itself only on a collective level but also on an individual one. Regardless of age, origin or social group, it is a common practice for people to record and preserve personal moments on a daily basis. This is possible through the use of digital and analogue recording technologies, such as cameras, DVDs, CDs and films, as well as through the Internet and social media. In general, we are experiencing a period during which remembering has obtained an immense significance whereas forgetting is rarely considered an option.