The blog for the Borthwick Institute for Archives at the University of York.
Written by Tracey Wilcockson, Conservation Volunteering Co-ordinator Understanding the condition of an item is the first concern of a conservator when faced with a new object. A range of tools can be utilised to compliment the conservator’s knowledge of materials and degradation in this undertaking. Historically, microscopes, magnifying glasses and loupes have been used to … Continue reading Shedding new ‘Lite’ on Atkinson Brierley
Written by Ruth Mather, Volunteer, Atkinson Brierley Conservation Project One of the largest and most interesting sets of plans in the Atkinson-Brierley collection is that relating to the rebuilding of Sledmere, a country house in East Yorkshire. The house was built in 1751, and in the 1780s and 1790s underwent significant renovations. Like many grand … Continue reading Sledmere House – Rising from the Ashes
Written by students from the University of York on a work experience placement. The renowned ecclesiastical architects Pace and Sims were prolific. Both were involved in a wide range of projects, from restoring Castle Howard, to designing memorials at churches and cathedrals, and constructing imposing new buildings such as Keele University chapel. During our work … Continue reading Slow and Steady Wins the Pace
Written by students from the University of York on a work experience placement. Death and Dairies at Castle Howard Our week began with a brief introduction and tour of the Borthwick Institute’s archives and stores. The collection is massive and the works are housed in strong rooms which we were certain could survive the apocalypse! … Continue reading Keeping Up the Pace (and Sims) at the Borthwick
Written by Ruth Mather, Volunteer on the Atkinson Brierley Conservation Project Archivists might baulk at the old stereotype of the ‘dusty archive’, but it is an image that rings true for some of the items in the Atkinson Brierley collection. When the collection was assessed in 2011/2012 of the 6414 architectural plans there were only … Continue reading Dishing the Dirt on the Atkinson Brierley Conservation Project
Written by Dr Amanda Jones In your day-to-day life you’ve probably walked past one of George Pace’s buildings before and not realised it. Pace (1915-1975) was a York-based architect who is famous for his contributions to modernist ecclesiastical architecture. Perhaps his strict religious upbringing was the reason behind his career. Upon the death of his … Continue reading Keeping Pace: Dr Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Archive