Archives and Records Association Annual Conference

ARA annual conference
Dublin 2015

The ARA annual conference is the only multi-day event that deals
specifically with the conservation and preservation of archives and
remains a very significant event in the conservator's calendar.  It
is the foremost opportunity for training and personal development in
the year and with three days of concentrated, focussed sessions it
is great value to attend.

The title this year, "Challenges, obligations or imperatives?" is
sufficiently broad to encompass the wide range of topics that are
current in the conservation world today.  There is such a variety
that it is a challenge to know where to begin to tell of the wonders
that await.

After the keynote, Wednesday begins with the sessions on how to deal
with large collections, the problems of prioritisation and the
difficulties in conserving a large map collection.  It will be good
to hear the eminent speakers from the National Library of Ireland
and the National Archives of Ireland.  This should encourage plenty
of discussion on the dilemma of continuing to care for our
collections within tight budget.

Flavio Marzo from the British Library will address the evolving role
of book conservation in relation to a collaborative and cross sector
working project for the Qatar Foundation to produce 500,000 images
from Arabic manuscripts.  Richard Nicols, conservator at
Staffordshire Archives will speak about the conservation of an early
psalter with a detailed talk about the structure and conservation of
the early binding.

The problems of repair to documents written in iron gall ink will be
tackled by Eliza Jacobi from the Restauratie Nijhoff Asser (RNA)
Amsterdam.

I am very much looking forward to learning from the experts,
bringing back new information to be used in my everyday work and
returning newly inspired.  Professor Matthew Collins, University of
York will broach the thorny subject of the destructive analysis of
parchment.  Dr David Mills, Queen Mary University will explain how
hidden text can be revealed with modern x ray techniques.  Both
these distinguished scientists are expanding existing knowledge of
the physical materials in our archives.  After a long day one,
crammed with relevant talks we can relax in the salubrious
surroundings of the Royal College of Physicians for a drinks
reception.

Take a look at the extensive programme for the conservation stream
and you will see that Thursday and Friday bring more high quality
talks dealing with complex practicalities that we face every day.
There is really so much on offer that it would take too long to
relate.  It would be a shame to miss it.  Keep up your CPD and
register online not forgetting to encourage colleagues to do
likewise.

The latest conference programme and booking details are available at

    <URL:http://www.archives.org.uk/ara-in-action/the-ara-conference.html>


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:6
                   Distributed: Sunday, June 28, 2015
                        Message Id: cdl-29-6-008
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