The ARA annual conference is the only multi-day event that deals
specifically with the conservation and preservation of archives and
remains a very significant event in the conservator’s calendar. It is
the foremost opportunity for training and personal development in the
year and with three days of concentrated, focussed sessions it is
great value to attend.
The title this year, ‘Challenges, obligations or imperatives?’ is
sufficiently broad to encompass the wide range of topics that are
current in the conservation world today. There is such a variety that
it is a challenge to know where to begin to tell of the wonders that
await.
After the keynote, Wednesday begins with the sessions on how to deal
with large collections, the problems of prioritisation and the
difficulties in conserving a large map collection. It will be good to
hear the eminent speakers from the National Library of Ireland and the
National Archives of Ireland. This should encourage plenty of
discussion on the dilemma of continuing to care for our collections
within tight budget.
Flavio Marzo from the British Library will address the evolving role
of book conservation in relation to a collaborative and cross sector
working project for the Qatar Foundation to produce 500,000 images
from Arabic manuscripts. Richard Nicols, conservator at Staffordshire
Archives will speak about the conservation of an early psalter with a
detailed talk about the structure and conservation of the early binding.
The problems of repair to documents written in iron gall ink will be
tackled by Eliza Jacobi from the Restauratie Nijhoff Asser (RNA)
Amsterdam.
I am very much looking forward to learning from the experts, bringing
back new information to be used in my everyday work and returning
newly inspired. Professor Matthew Collins, University of York will
broach the thorny subject of the destructive analysis of parchment .Dr
David Mills, Queen Mary University will explain how hidden text can be
revealed with modern x ray techniques. Both these distinguished
scientists are expanding existing knowledge of the physical materials
in our archives. After a long day one, crammed with relevant talks we
can relax in the salubrious surroundings of the Royal College of
Physicians for a drinks reception.
Take a look at the extensive programme for the conservation stream and
you will see that Thursday and Friday bring more high quality talks
dealing with complex practicalities that we face every day. There is
really so much on offer that it would take too long to relate. It
would be a shame to miss it. Keep up your CPD and register online not
forgetting to encourage colleagues to do likewise.
The latest conference programme and booking details are available at
http://www.archives.org.uk/ara-in-action/the-ara-conference.html
Mark Allen
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