Karta Wenecka czy Karta Konserwacji Zabytków?

In reference to the discussion that is being led in this country with concern to application of provisions contained in the Charter of Venice the author expressed a view th at the art of conservation can be considered as the interpretative humanist activity which is by no means in conflict with the main rule of conservation. The rules of conservation tre atments formulated in various times, though ranging over the national levels and progressive in their nature, while gathered to form a collection grew to an expression of views typical of a certain defined stage of historical development. Thus there arises a need of permanent confronting the present views of conservators with the relevant regulations in force and with documents declaratory as to their character. The Charter of Venice, a document that was not subjected to discussion in Poland until 1974 may be considered such an act. It did not also have any essential rank of a document governing the practice of conservation. On the other hand a legal act that makes the sign of equality between the rebuilding and reconstruction which, however, is in contradiction with rules of the Venice Charter. According to the author the Charter of Venice does not constitute a document covering the problems of both conservation and restoration of all historical monuments, but it relates to part of them only. So it seems quite easy to arrive at a reflection th a t the Charter of Venice has been confined in its coverage to architectural objects alone. But a definition of historical monuments is considered inadequate, for the material succession of the past forms a certain contained entity to which the passing years has been making their contributions and which is being also lessened with elapsing time. Each of its components is a document of the past. The appropriate formulations made by conservators relating to one area of art do not, however, exclude the integrated approach to the problem. In the case of conservation of architecture and te movable historical monuments the common undertaking of the problem of authenticity and of original matter of a historical monument will prove profitable for conservation of architecture where the primple of respect for an original object too often gives to place in favour of the object’s function and of technology. There is an urgent need to prepare a document on conservation having national character that could ' give a rise for international discussion.