Sir, The sad fate of the Cutty Sark suggests that John Ruskin was right to condemn the blight of restoration. Whatever the cause of the fire, the announcement of a multimillion-pound restoration grant often seems to spell doom to our national heritage icons.

Ancient buildings and artefacts can survive almost indefinitely if left to their own devices. Complete “restorations”, however cleverly done, appear artificial and soulless compared with the original fabric.

Let our old ships and buildings moulder gently, spared the tarpaulin, the attention of the careless workman with blowlamp and the inevitable “state-of-the-art” visitor centre.

ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ Staines, Middx

Sir, The Cutty Sark should be restored as a working historic ship rather than as a sort of visitor centre.

The only surviving seagoing paddle steamer, The Waverley, restored to its former magnificence as a working vessel, regularly works out from various ports around the UK.

The full-day cruise I enjoyed on her last year with the combined sounds of the sea, the vast steam engine, the paddles and the engine room telegraph left a lasting memory that could not possibly have been achieved by walking round a static exhibit.

GEORGE GARSIDE Benllech, Anglesey

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