Archives: an untapped resource

MA Fine Art: Research Methods25th November 2009

Sarah C JaneArchivistArchives and Special Collections Service

What can you expect from this session?

By the end of this session you should be able to: define archives Identify the benefits of using archives for research and

studio work Understand the practical issues surrounding the use of

archives Identify local and national collections of interest Know where to go for more information

You will also have the opportunity to view original archival material and associated handling and

packaging materials

What are Archives?

Recorded evidence of an activity that has been chosen for permanent preservation

Unique, original one-off records, generally unpublished

Primary sources Photographs, letters, minute books, documents,

diaries, newspapers…

Why use Archives?

Allows own interpretation – not reliant on others Authenticity Depth of research Originality – not everything has been written about

Research

Inspiration…

ContentSuperficialConceptual

How do I find out about archives? Access to Archives www.a2a.org.uk Archives Hub http://www.archiveshub.ac.uk/ Artists Papers Register http://www.apr.ac.uk/artists/home.htm National Register of Archives

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/default.asp Approaches to individual repositories - ARCHON

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/?source=ddmenu_search2

Follow others’ citations Word of mouth

Remember - not all material is digitised, online, catalogued, or even discovered…

What can I expect when using archives?Practical issues: Access

Appointment basedRecommendation may be requiredRegistration

Remember to take:Proof of IDLoose leaf paper Clear bagPencils EraserDigital camera (check with repository) – never use flash

Not open access: ordering based on reference numberArchive catalogues can seem complicated Paperwork for Data Protection, reproductions, copyright – charges may apply

What can I expect when using archives? Practical issues: Handling

Always wash hands before use Pencil only No food or drink in archive Use equipment as directed Expect to see book rests, weights, polyester

sleeves, tape, acid free boxes and folders

See National Preservation office Leaflet on good handling practice: http://www.bl.uk/npo/pdf/handling.pdf

What can I expect when using archives? Skills issues for research

Note taking skills are essential - ask@falmouth.ac.uk Always record the reference number of material Check correct citations procedure for original material Palaeography. Practice before hand. Online Tutorial

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/palaeography/

Critical thinking:

I keep six honest serving-men(They taught me all I knew);Their names are What and Why and WhenAnd How and Where and Who

Rudyard Kipling

(some) Available resources - Local

St Ives Archives Trust www.stivestrust.co.uk Cornwall Record Office www.cornwall.gov.uk/cro Royal Institution of Cornwall (RIC)

www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk/courtney-library Cornish Studies Library

http://db.cornwall.gov.uk/librarydb/info/details.asp?lbid=7

Local community archives and history groups: Polytechnic’s Local History and Research Group 01326 211098

(some) Available resources - National Archive of Art and Design:

http://www.vam.ac.uk/resources/archives/aad/index.html

Tate http://www.tate.org.uk/research/researchservices/archive/

National Gallery http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about/history/archive/default.htm

War Artists Archive http://collections.iwm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.908

Galleries’ Institutional records

The National Archives www.nationalarchives.gov.uk Art and Artists Research Guide: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=379

What Archives do we have at UCF?

For inspiration….

Large range of manuscripts, printed materials, photographs, maps, plans…

www.falmouth.ac.uk/archives

Camborne School of Mines

Thomas Collection

Manuscript and Unpublished works of Patrick Gale (FCP1)

University College Falmouth Historical records

Institute of Cornish Studies

Nick Darke Papers (FCP2)

Want to know more? Using Archives tutorial:

http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mss/learning/skills/archives/index.phtml

What are archives? : cultural and theoretical perspectives : a reader / edited by Louise Craven. 027 CRA

Sarah C JaneArchivist

Monday - ThursdayTremough Library

archives@falmouth.ac.uk

01326 254303

Don’t be put off – the extra effort is worth it ?

What can you expect from this session?

By the end of this session you should be able to: define archives and primary sources identify the benefits of using such sources for research or

studio work understand the practical issues surrounding the use of

archives identify some local and national collections of interest know where to go for more information

You will also have the opportunity to view original archival material and associated handing and

packaging materials