Stephen Bond obituary

Stephen Bond, a prominent heritage consultant and conservation surveyor, passed away at the age of 69 due to heart failure. He was instrumental in pioneering a holistic approach to heritage conservation, particularly through his work with the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. His innovative projects gained him international recognition, leading to collaborations with Unesco’s World Heritage Centre over two decades. Bond also contributed significantly to academia, authoring key texts on managing built heritage and teaching at various prestigious institutions. Born in Ruislip, Middlesex, he initially pursued astronomy before shifting his focus to architecture, which he studied at Bristol University. His commitment to cultural heritage preservation was further solidified through a master’s in environmental archaeology. Bond’s career included a partnership at Tuffin Ferraby Taylor and a pivotal role as the first surveyor of the fabric for Historic Royal Palaces, where he managed significant conservation projects. In 2008, he founded Heritage Places, expanding his consultancy work to various countries, including India and Mozambique. His urban planning efforts in Maputo emphasized the importance of built heritage in community identity, leading to the establishment of legal protections for cultural landmarks. Bond’s contributions to the field were recognized with an honorary doctorate from De Montfort University in 1998. He is survived by his partner, two daughters, and his sister. His legacy in heritage conservation and education continues to influence the field, reflecting his lifelong dedication to preserving cultural assets for future generations.