1. Archives: an untapped resource MA Fine Art: Research Methods 25 th November 2009 Sarah C Jane Archivist Archives and Special Collections Service

2. 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

3. 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evidence of an activity that has been chosen for permanent preservation Unique, original one-off records, generally unpublished Primary sources Photographs, letters, minute books, documents, diaries, newspapers…

4. 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

5. How do I find out about archives? Access to Archives www.a2a.org.ukwww.a2a.org.uk Archives Hub http://www.archiveshub.ac.uk/http://www.archiveshub.ac.uk/ Artists Papers Register http://www.apr.ac.uk/artists/home.htmhttp://www.apr.ac.uk/artists/home.htm National Register of Archives http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/default.asp http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/default.asp Approaches to individual repositories - ARCHON http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/?source=ddmenu_sea rch2 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/?source=ddmenu_sea rch2 Follow others’ citations Word of mouth Remember - not all material is digitised, online, catalogued, or even discovered…

6. 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

7. 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 http://www.bl.uk/npo/pdf/handling.pdf

8. What can I expect when using archives? Skills issues for research Note taking skills are essential - ask@falmouth.ac.ukask@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/ 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 When And How and Where and Who Rudyard Kipling

9. (some) Available resources - Local St Ives Archives Trust www.stivestrust.co.ukwww.stivestrust.co.uk Cornwall Record Office www.cornwall.gov.uk/crowww.cornwall.gov.uk/cro Royal Institution of Cornwall (RIC) www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk/courtney-library www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk/courtney-library Cornish Studies Library http://db.cornwall.gov.uk/librarydb/info/details.asp?lb id=7 http://db.cornwall.gov.uk/librarydb/info/details.asp?lb id=7 Local community archives and history groups: Polytechnic’s Local History and Research Group 01326 211098

10. (some) Available resources - National Archive of Art and Design: http://www.vam.ac.uk/resources/archives/aad/index.html http://www.vam.ac.uk/resources/archives/aad/index.html Tate http://www.tate.org.uk/research/researchservices/archive/http://www.tate.org.uk/research/researchservices/archive/ National Gallery http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about/history/archive/default.htm http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about/history/archive/default.htm War Artists Archive http://collections.iwm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.908 http://collections.iwm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.908 Galleries’ Institutional records The National Archives www.nationalarchives.gov.ukwww.nationalarchives.gov.uk Art and Artists Research Guide: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafle tID=379 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafle tID=379

11. What Archives do we have at UCF? For inspiration…. Large range of manuscripts, printed materials, photographs, maps, plans… www.falmouth.ac.uk/archives

12. Camborne School of Mines

13. Thomas Collection

14. Manuscript and Unpublished works of Patrick Gale (FCP1)

15. University College Falmouth Historical records

16. Institute of Cornish Studies

17. Nick Darke Papers (FCP2)

18. 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 Jane Archivist Monday - Thursday Tremough Library archives@falmouth.ac.uk 01326 254303 Don’t be put off – the extra effort is worth it ?

19. 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