The defining characteristics of a GHSR are succinctly addressed in the HSTG "Terms of Reference" that have been approved, following wide consultation, by IUGS at its Executive Committee Meeting in San Sebastian, Spain in February 2012. An approved GHSR nominee must have a cultural history encompassing a significant period. The HSTG Terms of Reference advise that this period must be at least 50 years. Also crucial is that a GHSR needs to have been utilised in significant works, be they in buildings, sculpture or utilitarian applications. Wide geographical use, extending if possible to numerous countries, is also noteworthy although not an essential GHSR characteristic. In addition recognition as a cultural icon, potentially including association with national identity or a significant individual contribution to architecture is valuable. In the case of Portland Stone there is an important association with famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), and its use for Commonwealth war graves. Contemporary quarrying and hence the ongoing availability of a GHSR for construction can enhance the status of a GHSR and hence is also beneficial. As a consequence of this availability, technical investigations are encouraged, and ongoing use of the GHSR stone will be promoted. With contemporary quarrying, GHSR designation may safeguard the resource from future sterilisation resulting from quarry closure. Such sterilisation has long been a problem given the common close proximity of dimension stone quarries to other human activities. A model GHSR nomination and citation The proposal of "Portland Stone" from the United Kingdom as a GHSR herein is the first GHSR proposal to be offered and discussed utilising the HSTG Terms of Reference. The authors suggest that Portland Stone, with its existing availability, past use as well as heritage aspects, provides an ideal GHSR nomination and one that can be utilised as a future model. It is anticipated that GHSR proposals similar to the one provided here for Portland Stone will become part of the essential routine of GHSR nomination and citation preparation with such publications being placed before the HSTG Board of Management as part of the formal nomination, review and acceptance process and with approved citations being held by HSTG in the GHSR register. The HSTG Board comprises specialist representatives from all major natural stone producing regions, including Europe, North Portland Stone, a well known ooidal limestone of Jurassic age from the United Kingdom is here nominated as a suitable "Global Heritage Stone Resource". Portland Stone is considered to ideally fit the newly proposed designation as it has been utilised since Roman times in England and since the Middle Ages in the construction of major historic buildings including St Pauls Cathedral, British Museum and Bank of England in London. It was also the preferred building stone of Sir Christopher Wren, England's most famous architect. The international use of Portland Stone during the 20th century includes the United N...
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