Histories of collections present an opportunity to present inclusive narratives that are not usually part of museum interpretation. This is particularly true in relation to archaeology collections and histories of imperial collecting.
This workshop will examine how collections histories, histories of archaeology, and archaeological artefacts and sites have been presented to children in the past, and explore how new narratives could be presented in museums now and in the future.
Exploring Collections, Archaeology and Empire has been organised as part of a joint University of Reading and British Museum partnership project, "Narrating the Diverse Past", currently being undertaken by Dr Amara Thornton (Research Officer, University of Reading).
Programme:
15.00-15.05 Welcome (Amara Thornton)
15.05-15.20 Sarah Saunders (Head of Learning and National Partnerships, The British Museum) – Current Activities at the British Museum
15.20-15.35 Fiona Melhuish (University of Reading, Special Collections) – Empire and Archaeology in the Children's Collection
15.35-15.50 Sue Walker (University of Reading, Typography & Graphic Communication) – ‘They lived like this’ books for children: Marie Neurath’s collaboration with museums
15.50-16.00 Questions
16.00-16.15 Amara Thornton (University of Reading) – Archaeology Books for Children: A Brief History
16.15-16.30 Michelle Keeley-Adamson (MKA Illustrations) – Illustrating Archaeology
16.30-16.45 Katharine Hoare (The British Museum) – Ensuring visual and narrative diversity in educational resources
16.45-16.55 Questions
16.55-17.00 Wrap up
