Uncovering the archive with our Historical Collections Officer

Objects and stories by Shelley Hollingdrake

Since the last ‘notes from the archive’, work has begun researching and cataloguing objects. 

But where do I start? There are thousands of objects, all with a history and connection to people and place. Do I close my eyes and blindly pick out an object (risky!), or do I work on the documentation needed to bring the society up to standard?

Bringing to mind a quote from Mark Twain: “The secret to making progress is to get started”, so I did. Photographing, researching, labelling and cataloguing the first objects on our Collections Management System, as well as writing policy documentation and generally taking over the offices at Perkin House with all things archive!

To say ‘I’m loving it’ is an understatement; what a privilege it is to work with one of the most significant collections of industrial heritage and to make connections between past and present that can inform our future.

Most artefacts in the SDC’s textile collection are gifts from private donors, learned societies, instrument makers, universities and companies from across both the UK and Europe. It charts the early understanding and practice of dyeing and textile manufacture to the inception of the petrochemical industry and beyond. To make the connections between key players and the companies that played a vital role in the textile industry and the society has been eye opening. 

With an eye on sharing the collection via an online platform, this ever-expanding digital resource will help you discover unique and captivating stories, from objects that have changed our world. 

I look forward to sharing more with you over the coming months.

Shelley Hollingdrake, Historical Collections Officer