Laser technology for graffiti removal

Abstract When two nationally important monuments were defaced, lasers were used to remove the offending graffiti. The West Kennet Avenue at Avebury, Wiltshire was attacked in June 1996 and the Heel stone at Stonehenge, Wiltshire was attacked on July 1998. As the principal organisation responsible for the conservation of the historic built environment in England, English Heritage is the source of expert advice regarding conservation areas, listed buildings, archaeology and scheduled ancient monuments. Part of this involves dealing with wilful damage to its sites. This paper will concentrate on the methodology behind the graffiti removal exercise on both sites.