Unpacking the Archive: Methodologies and Challenges in Design History  

24th Mar 2017 9:00am 

Dyson Gallery, Royal College of Art, London

 

The scope of this one-day event is to provide an open forum for doctoral students to share their methodological approaches, practical challenges, ethical questions related to primary research in different types of archives (private, corporate, museum, state, etc). Rather than focusing solely on skills needed to use archives and records, this event will explore methodological approaches in interpreting archival material within the context of design history and material culture studies, while providing insights from related disciplines. The aim is to explore how different types of archives inform our understanding of the subject matter, the possible challenges of working with specific types of archive, and how to integrate archival research with other primary and secondary sources.

On the day, each participant will speak for ten minutes on their methodological approaches, relating to the piece of writing submitted.The presentation should focus on, practical,ethical and thematic issues encountered when dealing with the archive and archival findings; it should not be a summary of the paper.

Each presentation will be followed by conveners’ responses and open discussion. The sessions will be grouped thematically by archive typology and followed by a general discussion on themes and issues relating to archival theories and methodologies.

 

Lunch (provided) and tea breaks will provide opportunities for networking and discussion. The day will close with final reflections about the event itself, and the identification of possibilities for student-organised follow-on events.

 

Please find attached the event poster: Unpacking the Archive Poster  

Please check your availability and commitments before signing up to this event.  Booking and then cancelling may deny opportunities to others and also wastes money, food and other resources.