IN-PERSON: Prague – Section A

Abstract

Generally, stakeholders of conservation works in Malaysia misunderstood many important terms and indeed the very basic terminology of ‘Marseilles’ clay roof tiles. Thus, there were such terminology that being taken for granted and just follow seriously the tradition of the common practitioner without having any precise knowledge of what it entails. This study aims to investigate on the misconception of the terminology of ‘Marseilles’ clay roof tiles that being used in Malaysia’s conservation work. To avoid confusion of the terminology of ‘Marseilles’ clay roof tiles that will be followed through by the next generation, observation, interviews and readings from the literature reviews on terminology of the roof tiles has been done. It shows some evidence that ‘Marseilles’ were referring specific to French type roof tiles that developed by the Gilardoni Brothers in 1851. It was also found in Mangalore as the pioneered manufacturer in the 1860s by The Common Wealth Trust Ltd (Basel Mission tile factory). The interlocking clay roof types that has been used in Malaysia have the similarity and influenced by both Europe and India. However, ‘Marseilles’ terminology was commonly used in Malaysia’s conservation projects which led to the misinterpretation of the real interpretation of all interlocking clay roof tiles type. The future generations will found that the well-defined terminology will gives a specific impact on conservation method and techniques. Furthermore, it should contributes value added to conservation knowledge as well as holistic references for next generation.