No Exit: Heritage Signs and the Ministry of Works

University of Suffolk seminar

Readers of ‘Heritage Futures’ will know that we have more than a passing interest in the historic signs erected by the Ministry of Works (and its successors) to interpret and manage sites in state guardianship. This seminar will explore the range of signs used across prehistoric, Roman, medieval and industrial sites in the UK. These include the signs directing visitors to the site, car-parking, warning signs and directional arrows, as well as those that help to interpret the different parts of complex buildings such as abbeys and castles. Many were cast by the Royal Label Factory.

All welcome.

Abstract

 

From values to narrative: a new foundation for the conservation of historic buildings. Seminar 19th February

The next heritage seminar will be on Wednesday 19th February at the usual time of 4.30pm.  Nigel Walter, Director of Archangel Architects will be delivering a talk entitled:

From values to narrative: a new foundation for the conservation of historic buildings

Abstract: Since its inception, modern conservation has derived the significance of a heritage asset from the identification and prioritisation of distinct classes of values. If such values-based systems were ever appropriate, they are increasingly out of step with other areas of cultural life, and particularly the call for greater public participation; the resulting tensions are particularly manifested when considering change to historic buildings and environments. It can be argued that the currently under- theorised state of conservation is positively harmful both to the conservation professions and to the buildings we seek to protect. This seminar will combine experience from practice, an exploration of conservation’s philosophical origins and an ode to the joy of cheese, all with the aim of outlining a better theoretical foundation.

About the speaker: Nigel Walter studied Architecture at the University of Cambridge and now runs Archangel Architects, a Cambridge-based practice. He completed the MA in Conservation Studies (Historic Buildings) at the University of York in 2012 and has a particular interest in exploring how churches and other historic buildings can better tell their stories.

The talk will be held in the Waterfront Building at the Ipswich Campus.  Please get in touch with Julie Barber julie.barber@ucs.ac.uk if you’d like to attend.

Heritage-led Regeneration – UCSheritage seminar

The first of our #UCSheritage seminars this year will be led by our brand new lecturer in Cultural Tourism & Heritage Management, Dr Geraint Coles. Previously the Development Manager for the Chesterfield Canals Partnership, Geraint has longstanding experience of the opportunities and challenges of large-scale heritage projects.

Here’s what he’s going to be talking about:

“Heritage-led regeneration”

Regeneration is the process of renewal, reinvention and reconstruction which seeks to bring about a lasting improvement in the economic, physical, social and environmental condition of an area. 

Heritage is often a major driver for such regeneration projects – through both the adaptive re-use of heritage buildings, structures and localities or through the economic benefits generated by the heritage contained within new buildings. 

The way that heritage is used (and misused) in regeneration is the subject of this seminar – It explores the key factors which govern such projects and the ingredients which lead to economic and social development while protecting, retaining and strengthening a communities “sense of place” while avoiding “Disney-fication”. Particular emphasis is placed upon the need for community engagement, the formation of public-private partnerships and upon engaging and encouraging the active leadership of heritage professionals in the creation and shaping of places.

The seminar will take place on Weds 9th October at 4.30pm, at the Waterfront Building, UCS Ipswich.

To register to attend, please contact Julie Barber: Julie.barber@ucs.ac.uk or 01473 338181

Archaeology in a local government context

The next UCS Heritage research seminar will hear Councillor Guy McGregor talk about the county strategy for archaeology.

UCS Heritage Seminar: Heritage Games

Heritage Technology and Games Design     

Dan Mayers, Lecturer at UCS

February’s meeting of the UCS Heritage Group looks at potential applications for technology within Heritage. BAFTA nominated game designer and producer Dan Mayers, will explore some of the ways technology and game design can be used in a Heritage setting. We will look at potential uses for QR codes, location based story telling and how game structure can be used to entertain, educate and engage.

Free admission – refreshments provided 

Date and Time: 28/2/2013, 16:30 – 18:00

Location: W602, UCS Waterfront Building, Neptune Quay, Ipswich

 

 

Contested Cities in Heritage Landscapes

Square in the Old City of Jerusalem © David Gill

Dr Britt Baillie, researcher with the Cambridge University ‘Conflict in Cities‘ project, addressed the UCS Heritage seminar today on the theme of ‘Re-bordering Jerusalem’. Baillie reminded us of the historical landscapes surrounding Jerusalem as well the way that communities have been dissected by modern political boundaries. Her research included a case study on the ‘village’ of Walaja, to the north-west of Bethlehem. She reminded us of the importance of the Ottoman records providing information about land-holding. This linked to my own work on Harry Pirie-Gordon mapping this part of the world in 1917/18.

I was struck by her presentations on ‘time lines’ and the emphasis on the Second Temple Period. I was struck how the Hadrianic rebuilding of the city was down-played or even ignored in modern narratives.

The images of collapsing terracing-systems reminded us how a cultivated landscape, dating back for a couple of millennia, was being allowed to disappear.

Re-bordering Jerusalem

Greek Orthodox Christmas in Jerusalem © David Gill

The second UCS seminar, ‘Re-bordering Jerusalem‘, will be led by Cambridge University researcher Dr Britt Baillie (Monday 17 December 2012, 4.30 pm). The heritage of Jerusalem in the topographical delineation of the city will be a key part of the talk.

All welcome.

A gathering to discuss

 

Cover image – Harrison 2012.

As part of the academic development of heritage as a subject at UCS  we are launching a discussion group to consider all aspects of the subject and share ideas and thoughts via talks, debates and other activities. We aim to gather once a month or so in Ipswich, and welcome participants from across the University and wider heritage field of East Anglia. Our first gathering will consider Rodney Harrison’s  new book, Heritage: Critical Approaches  (2012: Routledge), with the possible questions:

1)      Whilst heritage is a phenomenon that can be recognised, can it ever aspire to being a recognisable ‘subject’ ?

2)      Does Harrison’s approach strike the correct balance between theory and practice, and where do the nuts and bolts of managing the historic environment fit with these ideas?

We are planning to meet at the UCS Waterfront building at 4.00pm, on Thursday 22nd November.

To confirm your intention to attend, please email Julie Barber julie.barber@ucs.ac.uk  in the School of Business, Leadership & Enterprise.