I apologise for the fact that my circular did not carry a postal address. It
is to be found in two places on the website.
We are not actively canvassing for material. as we already have four large
collections to assimilate. However, since the launch of the archive several
private individuals have given/offered us material. We are announcing a
significant investment in a publicly available catalogue while we raise
funds for a proper home. Much of the collection is housed inadequately in
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, a London-based charity,
which started their mills collection in the late 1920's. It was because of
the SPAB's lack of space and the limited public access there that we have
set up a separate charity to protect and develop these important holdings.
I refer those who are concerned to our policy document,
http://www.millarchive.com/policystatement.htm which states among other
things:
"The Mills Archive does not seek to compete for material with other mill
archives. In acquiring records every effort shall be made to avoid conflict
and duplication with the collecting policies of such repositories, although
there may be some overlap with more general repositories. In all cases we
will work with other archives and donors to ensure material is placed in its
most appropriate home"
"No attempt shall be made to secure the acquisition or removal of any
records held in another record repository, except with the consent of the
owner of the records and in consultation with the archivist in charge and
governing body of that repository"
We would welcome any comments or expressions of concern, as we do not intend
to duplicate activities. We are already in discussions with a number of
archives to share what we have rather than to compete!
Ron Cookson
Chairman of Trustees
The Mills Archive Trust
----- Original Message -----
From: "Williams Gareth Haulfryn ADH/ECL"
<[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 25, 2002 4:07 PM
Subject: FW: FW: New Archive for Traditional Mills
The message below might seem to be a cause for concern. There is no
postal address given for the Archive and the website states that
"Large general archives may accept material but often can only act as a
safe warehouse. Such an approach will not make the most of the
opportunity presented. There is a need for a specialist repository not
only to care for mill-related collections but also to make the material
available to researchers and enthusiasts over the Internet. Three issues
are paramount"
and while there seems to be a responsible attitude to conservation and
action issues in theory
"Until we have a sufficient endowment to secure the long-term future of
an archive building we are providing safe storage and where necessary
conservation for our holdings
albeit with only limited direct public access".
The Archive is a registered charity and the website carries the HLF
logo. Should the wider archive community however not be a little
concerned at this development since material is being actively canvassed
for?
Gareth Haulfryn Williams
Cyfarwyddwr Cynorthwyol: Diwylliant
Assistant Director: Culture
Cyngor Gwynedd Council
01286-679089
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Maguire [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 25 June 2002 14:22
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FW: New Archive for Traditional Mills
- With apologies for cross-posting -
This seems a very useful development.
Mike Maguire
Group Librarian S & E Devon
Devon Library & Information Services
tel 01392 384223
fax 01392 384228
mailto:[log in to unmask]
http://www.devon.gov.uk/library/
Unless otherwise stated the views expressed are
personal and not necessarily those of Devon County Council
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ron Cookson [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 24 June 2002 15:03
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: New Archive for Traditional Mills
>
> *** Apologies for cross-posting***
>
> I am pleased to announce that we have set up The Mills Archive Trust
> as a charity registered in the UK (no 1091534) to develop and maintain
> an archive and resource library specialising in traditional mills and
> milling.
>
> Traditional mills include mills and similar structures that are or
> were powered by wind, water, muscle or other sources. Milling includes
> millwrighting and the place of the mill in social as well as
> technological and architectural history.
>
> We already have a great deal of material of historical interest from
> the UK, North America and many other countries. We are now actively
> seeking funds to
> house our collections and permit free public access.
>
> We are already developing (with the aid of a GBP50,000 grant from the
> UK's Heritage Lottery Fund) our online catalogue, which will be freely
> available to you at www.millarchive.com The catalogue will have a
> number of novel features including allowing on-line addition of
> research notes by remote experts and email alerts when items of
> interest are changed or added.
>
> If you would like to find out more please visit the website. If you
> would like to be kept informed of progress please send an email to
> [log in to unmask]
>
> Regards
>
> Ron Cookson
> The Mills Archive Trust
|