Archives: an untapped resource MA Fine Art: Research Methods 25 th November 2009 Sarah C Jane Archivist Archives 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evidence of an activity that has been chosen for permanent preservation Unique, original one-off records, generally unpublished Primary sources Photographs, letters, minute books, documents, diaries, newspapers…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… Content Superficial Conceptual

How do I find out about archives? Access to Archives Archives Hub Artists Papers Register National Register of Archives Approaches to individual repositories - ARCHON rch2 rch2 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 based Recommendation may be required Registration Remember to take: Proof of ID Loose leaf paperClear bag PencilsEraser Digital camera (check with repository) – never use flash Not open access: ordering based on reference number Archive catalogues can seem complicatedcomplicated 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:

What can I expect when using archives? Skills issues for research Note taking skills are essential - Always record the reference number of material Check correct citations procedure for original material Palaeography. Practice before hand. Online Tutorial Critical thinking: I keep six honest serving-men (They taught me all I knew); Their names are What and Why and When And How and Where and Who Rudyard Kipling

(some) Available resources - Local St Ives Archives Trust Cornwall Record Office Royal Institution of Cornwall (RIC) Cornish Studies Library id=7 id=7 Local community archives and history groups: Polytechnic’s Local History and Research Group

(some) Available resources - National Archive of Art and Design: Tate National Gallery War Artists Archive Galleries’ Institutional records The National Archives Art and Artists Research Guide: tID=379 tID=379

What Archives do we have at UCF? For inspiration…. Large range of manuscripts, printed materials, photographs, maps, plans…

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: What are archives? : cultural and theoretical perspectives : a reader / edited by Louise Craven. 027 CRA Sarah C Jane Archivist Monday - Thursday Tremough Library 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