Inspirational Archives: Come and be inspired by the Royal Commission’s archives 18 November, 12pm–7pm

As part of this year’s Explore your Archives campaign, the Royal Commission will be hosting Inspirational Archives: a programme of events designed to stimulate the creative use of our archives.

On Wednesday, 18 November 2015, we are holding an Open Day, inviting visitors to come and discover the many unique collections in our archives – and to be inspired to create something of their own.

The day will include creative workshops, and demonstrations on 3D modelling, reconstruction drawing, animations, photography, digital resources (LiDAR, GIS) and much more. In addition there will be exciting talks by the Royal Commission’s aerial investigator, Dr Toby Driver, on Patterns from the Past: The Wonders of the Aerial Archive and by its photographer, Iain Wright, on Through the Photographer’s Lens.

A selection of work by the Mad Mountain Stitchers, a group of highly-creative textile artists inspired by the unique collections in the National Monuments Record of Wales, will also be on display, including their wonderful wall hanging, Big Pit. The artists will also be on hand to talk about their work, and the materials and techniques used in their creation.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the vast range of the Royal Commission’s collections of photographs, maps, plans, drawings, texts, and other material in the National Monuments Record of Wales.

Visitors will be welcome to participate in workshops, working with students from Aberystwyth University’s School of Art to think creatively about using the archives to produce poetry, short stories, works of art, textiles, models, sculpture, knitting, cakes or anything else you feel inspired to produce.

Submission of work – having been inspired to create a piece of work in whatever medium – visual or written – please send us a digital version (photograph, recording, text document etc) by e-mail (nmr.wales@rcahmw.gov.uk) together with the submission form before 17 January 2016. Submissions will form part of an online exhibition called the Inspirational Archives Collection on the People’s Collection Wales website where you will be able to view, comment and share. A selection will also be published by Planet and shown in an exhibition in the New Year – details to follow.

For further information, please contact the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, Plas Crug, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 1NJ, telephone: 01970 621200, email: nmr.wales@rcahmw.gov.uk

All are welcome. All events are free. Join us for the day and be inspired!

22/10/2015