England’s historic buildings are causing headaches

THE GLASS roof on the Oxford University Museum of Natural History has long proved troublesome. In its 160-year history it has collapsed once, partially blown off twice and leaked constantly. All the while, it has poured sunlight onto the natural wonders within. Red butterflies are bleached white; the skins of stuffed creatures are cracked.The is an example of a problem faced by many of England’s historic buildings. Its roof is a striking period feature, rightly protected by law. It also, in effect, creates a greenhouse. As the building gets older—and the world outside it warmer—preservation of the edifice will become harder to reconcile with preservation of the collections inside it.