Changing Role of Consultants in Industry, 1850–2000 – Conference 10^th/11^th May 2019, Oxford, England

There are just a few spaces left at a Conference on the Changing Role of Consultants in Oxford on Friday 10^th May and Saturday 11^th May.  Delegate spaces are available for those not presenting papers.

The Conference is supported by the Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry, the Newcomen Society, the British Society for the History of Science and Oxford Brookes University. 

Consultants – a neglected group

Consultants have been neglected by historians of engineering and technology.  Yet consultants were often a key resource in helping firms innovate.  This was especially true in new sectors moving from craft-based traditions to use of scientific knowledge. Consultants played an important role in spreading new technologies across firms, improving operating practices within factories, establishing standards and helping develop key supply industries.

Papers cover a wide range of sectors including water supply, civil engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, construction and management consultancy.

The workshop is based on pre-circulated papers available to delegates beforehand and brief presentations to allow plenty of time for discussion.

Spaces for Delegates

Spaces are available for delegates at £23 on the Friday, £25 on the Saturday, or £40 for both days, which includes lunch and refreshments.

Please contact [log in to unmask] if you are keen to attend.  Delegates will have to find their own accommodation.

Organisation of the Workshop 

The Workshop is based at the Maison Française d’Oxford, 2-10 Norham Road, Oxford OX2 6SE, United Kingdom on   

10-11 May 2019.  The Conference starts at 12 on the Friday to allow time for morning travel and finishes at 4 pm on Saturday. 

Organisers: Peter Reed (Independent Researcher), Jonathan Aylen (the Newcomen Society) and Viviane Quirke (Oxford Brookes University).