Organisation: National Archives
Principal investigator: Juergen Vervoorst
Project overview
The National Archives mission is to collect and preserve the records, use expertise to connect people with their history and lead, partner global archives in sustainable and innovative practices. Recognised for its Heritage Science and Conservation Research (HSCR) team and laboratory, the National Archives has developed efficient workflows to provide efficient access to expertise and equipment.
However, the increasing demand for innovative research in archives and libraries has highlighted the laboratories limitations and it lacks purpose-built space for analytical and imaging equipment. The HSCR are unable to meet the sectors demands for individual analyses and short-term collaborative research projects. This project aims to enhance the current HSCR capabilities by upgrading its facilities and equipment to ensure continued leadership in sustainable archival practices and innovation.
Project purpose
This project aims to enhance the National Archives HSCR laboratory infrastructure to improve and support the preservation and accessibility of archival collections.
The upgraded facility will significantly expand analytical and imaging capabilities, accommodating both existing and new equipment while also providing additional laboratory space and enlarged strong-room facilities to accommodate incoming collection materials for analysis. This enhanced facility will foster collaborative research, knowledge exchange and training opportunities within the archives and library sectors.
Project impacts
The project will significantly enhance the HSCR laboratory at the National Archives, benefiting heritage collections and leading advanced archival conservation practices across the sector. The expanded HSCR will foster challenge-led research, addressing conservation topics relevant to various materials such as books, papers, parchments, photographs, and textiles, with implications extending beyond the National Archives own collections.
Offering access and training, the HSCR will promote sustainable and ethical care practices for national holdings. This project will strengthen the UK’s archival community, promote ethical care practices and broaden access to historical records, thereby preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
