Archival documents for conservators

Dates:15-19 OCTOBER 2012
Course code:PC1208
Non-residential fee: £497

Traditional archival documents provide vital historical evidence of our society and the lives of people. They are distinct from such items as personal letters or written art forms, in that they provide a legal record of transactions and life changes. Until the late 20th century they had a clear and recognisable format on parchment or paper, and even now a formal document requiring an individual’s signature or even seal of office is still produced in ‘hard-copy’ where so much else has become digital.

This course aims to help conservators to understand why archival documents look like they do, what aspects of them must be preserved, and how to set about protecting them and their provenance. It will comprise lectures on archival history and conservation, and sustained practical workshops that involve handling and care for real archives dating from medieval times to the present. It presents an opportunity to identify, record and undertake protective measures for documents and, for conservators especially, a chance to develop new skills in identifying formats and materials, and undertaking treatments for parchment, early papers and wax and shellac seals.

Course leader: Chris Woods