longevity, the link with a historically inaccurate but widely popular drama, at least enhances Bath’s present relevance in contemporary culture. 71 One priority of the city’s management plan is the interpretation of its heritage value. 72 Consequently, the
way its value is portrayed to the public is of paramount significance. The handling of
this particular association has allowed a blended and contemporarily appealing
experience for visitors that effectively involves the tourist with filming alongside
genuine history. Although it is not possible to assess all the sites of heritage value in
Bath, the example of the walking tours encapsulates a heritage integrity issue that
will be recognisable across the city. For instance, the Jane Austen Centre is a business that could be accused of making heritage into a ‘theme - park’. 73 However, it
exemplifies the ways literature, film and television have collaborated in drawing out
interest in a site and supporting its wider operations.
It is also important to acknowledge how other style programmes have
impacted heritage management. BBC’s Restoration (2003-2009), for example, has supported conservation by specifically raising awareness of endangered sites. 74 After a public television vote, supportive funds were awarded to the winner, such as the Victoria Baths in Manchester who received £3.4 million. 75 Since their win, the management has continued to restore the site and credits the show entirely for their survival. 76 Screen is a medium in which people can visualise heritage from a range of perspectives, fictional or documentary, and have them become present in contemporary communities. 77 In this case, Restoration utilised screen as a means to
determine what the public valued. The support for the Baths has allowed it to
become a centre of culture, both of contemporary and heritage value as an events
71 Reynolds, p. 49. 72 For the management of the City of Bath and its aims see Bath & North East Somerset Council, The City of Bath World Heritage Site Management Plan: 2010-2016. 73 Higson, p. 185. 74 BBC, Restoration Revisited (2014), <https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00k2f87> [accessed 17 July 2023]. 75 BBC, Restoration Revisited. See also Victoria Baths, Timeline (2022), <http://victoriabaths.org.uk/about/history/timeline/> [accessed 16 July 2023]. See also Lizzie Edmonds, Manchester's Victoria Baths refilled 10 years after winning public vote for £3million of funding from BBC Restoration series (2013) <https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2412293/Manchesters-Victoria-Baths-10-years-winning- 3million-funding-BBC-Restoration.html> [accessed 16 July 2023]. 76 Lizzie Edmonds, Manchester's Victoria Baths refilled 10 years after winning public vote for £3million of funding from BBC Restoration series. 77 Schiavone, p. 1108.
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