introduction to archives for architecture students
TRANSCRIPT
Finding and Using Architectural Archives
Anna McNally
University of Westminster Archives
What are archives?
What kind of architectural information might I find in archives?
Where should I look for archives?
Tips on searching archive catalogues
How to prepare for a visit to an archive
Topics covered in this session:
What are archives?
Material created through every day activities and selected for permanent preservation.
What are archives?
Material created through every day activities and selected for permanent preservation.
Not just paper – can also be objects & digital files.
What are archives?
Material created through every day activities and selected for permanent preservation.
Can be tricky to use - often organised in a way that made sense at the time, but not now.
What are archives?
Material created through every day activities and selected for permanent preservation.
Only around 5% of records created end up in an archive.
Since archives are created through every day activities, you need to think through the activities involved in commissioning, designing and constructing a building.
These will then help you to identify where your building will be mentioned in the archives.
Activities that create architectural archives: (i)
Inception - when the organisation decided to create a new building.
Inception - when the organisation decided to create a new building.
Records to look for: minute books, correspondence.
Remember that the decision may have been taken years – or decades – before the building was started.
Activities that create architectural archives: (i)
Proposal – the first glimpse at the new building
Activities that create architectural archives: (ii)
Proposal – the first glimpse at the new building
Records to look for: drawings and plans. Also look at Board minutes for any reaction to the proposal.
Activities that create architectural archives: (ii)
Activities that create architectural archives: (ii)
Proposal – the first glimpse at the new building
Remember! The finished building may be very
different from the initial proposal!
Approval - planning permission, freeholder approval, and internal sign-off
Activities that create architectural archives: (iii)
Approval - planning permission, freeholder approval, and internal sign-off
Records to look for: records of any council approval will be held in the local public records office. They will include details of any objections or restrictions to the application.
Activities that create architectural archives: (iii)
Interpretation - decisions made during the building process
Activities that create architectural archives: (iv)
Interpretation - decisions made during the building process
Records to look for: detailed plans, correspondence between the architect and builder, photographs taken during the building work, financial records.
Activities that create architectural archives: (iv)
Celebration – the moment the building opens
Activities that create architectural archives: (v)
Celebration – the moment the building opens
Records to look for: programmes for the opening ceremony, newspaper reports, photographs
Activities that create architectural archives: (v)
Review – after the building opens
Activities that create architectural archives: (vi)
Review – after the building opens
Records to look for: articles in architectural journals, correspondence relating to snagging issues, reports of immediate problems with the building.
Activities that create architectural archives: (vi)
Alterations over time
Activities that create architectural archives: (vii)
Alterations over time
Records to look for: staff newsletters, annotated building plans, photographs
Major alterations will go through the same process as starting a building from scratch but minor alterations can be difficult to track down in the documentation, even though cumulatively they may have a major impact
Activities that create architectural archives: (vii)
Experience – things that happen to a building that impact the structure or design
Activities that create architectural archives: (viii)
Experience – things that happen to a building that impact the structure or design
Examples include fire, war damage and natural disasters.
Records to look for: newspaper reports, minutes of meetings, plans, photographs
Activities that create architectural archives: (viii)
Sale or lease
Activities that create architectural archives: (ix)
Sale or lease
Sale and lease documents can reveal a lot of detail about the building, particularly any alterations since it was first built, and exact sizes.
Records to look for: Deeds, agreement for tenancy, licence to assign
Activities that create architectural archives: (ix)
Where should I look for archives?
Can be kept by the creating or receiving partner – or both.
The bigger the organisation, the more likely they will have kept documentation (usually).
Not everything will have survived!
Where should I look for archives?
Some places to consider when looking for archives:
The National Archives for Crown Estate, large projects (e.g. housing estates) and national events (e.g. Festival of Britain).Local record offices e.g. London Metropolitan Archives, City of Westminster ArchivesBusiness, charity, estate and church archivesUniversity archives e.g. University of Brighton Design Archives , University of Westminster/Max Lock Archive. Specialist repositories e.g. RIBA, V&ASome architectural practices
Where should I look for archives?
But, things can turn up in unexpected places…. This photo in the University’s collection shows the construction of what is now Topshop at Oxford Circus.
If you’re struggling to find photos, it’s always worth looking at collections relating to nearby buildings or organisations in case yours has been recorded by chance or in the background.
A brief explanation of archive cataloguing
Hierarchical structure – reflects the organisation that produced them
Not organised by subject – objective structure
Not every item will be catalogued
A brief explanation of archive cataloguing
Records of the
University’s buildings are
spread out across the
different series – under
administrative records,
committee minutes,
photographs and often
mentioned in student
magazines!
A brief explanation of archive cataloguing
Don’t rely on the search function
Think in terms of activities, functions, committees…
Remember the building – or even the road – might have changed name over time.
Planning a visit to an archive
Archives can seem quite intimidating but the rules are all there to ensure the long-term preservation of the documents .
You will usually be asked to put your bag in a locker, use pencil only and not eat or drink.
Planning a visit to an archive
Check in advance if you need to make an appointment and if you need to bring photo ID or proof of address
Ask permission before taking photographs – there may be good copyright or preservations reasons why you are not allowed.
How we can help you
The University of Westminster Archive team are happy to help all staff and students with any queries regarding archives- including both our own collections and those held elsewhere.
We can help you to track down the archives you need, provide advice on using archive catalogues, and assist you in approaching organisations whose archives are not easily accessible.
How we can help you
To ask our advice or use our collections visit us atLevel B3, 4-12 Little Titchfield St
Drop in times: Monday-Friday 10-12.30, 1.30-5 (staff & students only – external researchers need appointments)
Or email us at: [email protected]
We also have online resources accessible fromhttp://www.westminster.ac.uk/archives