I feel quite strongly about the presence of Palaeography, Diplomatics and
Administrative History on Archive training courses. I do so even though
there is not one latin document in my Archives, not even so much as a motto.
The study and practice of palaeography and diplomatics forces a student to
confront textual anaylsis at extremely close quarters. The fact that many
will rarely confront carolingian miniscule is not the point. Mediaeval
manuscripts lend themselves very well to this didactic purpose. All of the
skills required to decode a '13th century' deed can be used on a modern
document. Ok, so in recent years typescript has diminished the importance
of palaeography, but how many of us have to fight with mid-'19th century'
scrawls on a weekly basis? Could you do it if it wasn't for the anguished
squinting involved in studying for the Diploma/MA?
Same goes for Diplomatics; in spades. The discipline of diplomatics is
still central to the construction of all documents, particularly those of an
official nature. Administrative history has often been the poor cousin of
the other skills, I feel more emphasis should be laid on it.
All of these skills should be pushed on to the students at a more
theoretical level, making it clear that each is a principle liying at the
heart of all recorded information. Palaeography, diplomatics and
administrative history are my toolkit, without them I would be like a
fireman without a hose.
mark
* * * *
Mark Pomeroy
Archivist
Royal Academy of Arts
London
W1J 0BD
Direct Tel: 020 7300 5768.
Direct Fax: 020 7300 5765.
http://www.royalacademy.org.uk
Aztecs is at the Royal Academy until 11th April 2003
Plaster Icons: The History and Conservation of the Royal Academy Cast
Collection. Royal Academy Library Print Room until 31 January 2003
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