Those of us who work with photographic or other 'pictorial' archives or
collections will be well aware that these types of materials represent
important social documents and invaluable research tools. As do the
various 'pretty pieces' if taken in context. In fact that umbrella or
parasol no doubt forms part of a much larger picture - sorry, story.
Pam
Good luck
Pam
Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan wrote:
>
> Re Peter’s comment:
>
> They are, first and foremost, evidence of activity and the
> concentration on the ‘pretty pieces’ breaks that link. It defines
> archives as individual units with a display value like museum objects,
> rather than as an aggregation of evidence and information in context
> which connects the past directly to the present. As such, their
> primary value is to support the rights of the ordinary citizen and to
> allow that ordinary citizen to hold authority to account. They also,
> almost coincidentally, provide the source material for retrospective
> research of more or less seriousness and for strengthening community
> relationships. If widening the appeal of archives achieves a greater
> understanding of these fundamentals then it will be worth the effort.
> Otherwise it’s just so much misdirected resource.
>
> If anyone can put that lot in three pithy words then they will be able
> to capture the public’s imagination in the MTV world. If not we’re
> must work with slogans and interesting items in collections. Even the
> Magna Carta is not necessarily famous for the ‘right’ reasons. I’m now
> off to a meeting with Rene Kinzett, Head of Public Affairs at the NCA,
> to discuss advocacy and putting across the above in a digestible
> manner. Anyone else for advocacy beyond this discussion list?
>
> Regards
>
> Elizabeth
>
> Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan
>
> Director & Consultant Archivist
>
> Elizabeth Oxborrow-Cowan Associates Ltd
>
> Tel/fax 01939 234289
>
> www.elizabethoc.co.uk
>
> Contact the list owner for assistance at
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>
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>
--
Sincerely
Pamela Cranston
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