Donate SIGN UP

(Lack Of) Care Of Ancient Manuscripts On History Programmes

Avatar Image
gl556tr | 14:41 Tue 13th Oct 2015 | Arts & Literature
9 Answers
I am enthralled by the wonderful programmes that BBC TV often serve up. (How I wish I had just a fraction of that in my school curriculum.) But I am aghast at how often the programme presenter –of whom one expects better-- is in a renowned establishment housing historic manuscripts and firstly, may be handling the rare pages with no gloves; secondly, even if he does, often talks whilst standing over these pages, fine-spraying aforesaid. Such actions can only be detrimental to the existence of such written witnesses of our distant and interesting past.
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 9 of 9rss feed

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by gl556tr. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
One assumes that the keepers of the manuscripts have given their blessing to such behaviour. They must have given the presenter advice on how to handle the documents before filming began?
Sorry, Gl556tr, but the current thinking is that gloves should NOT be worn when handling historic documents.

From the British Library (where they ought to know about such things!):
http://www.bl.uk/aboutus/stratpolprog/collectioncare/publications/videos/whitegloves.pdf
@gl556tr

Before they started adding china clay to paper, it was very robust and seriously old documents are probably able to cope without the need for gloves. Some mid-Victorian books are practically turning to dust, on the shelves, according to one documentary I saw. They're trying to digitise them before they're all gone.

I'm afraid 'luvvies' are notoriously inconsiderate of collection objects, when presenting from museums or archives. To them they are props - they themselves are at the centre of attention. And often institutions are too in awe to haul them back.
You mean like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_wl6Sm-c0w
Or this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi4IkIIMfhw
@VHG

Looks like Ben Miller. Who's he taking the mick out of? (I can't watch telly and vid clips at the same time, sorry).
It is Ben Miller from the Armstrong and Miller show.
We were surprised in an NT property where documents were handled without gloves but we were told they weren't necessary and can cause more harm.

1 to 9 of 9rss feed

Do you know the answer?

(Lack Of) Care Of Ancient Manuscripts On History Programmes

Answer Question >>

Related Questions

Sorry, we can't find any related questions. Try using the search bar at the top of the page to search for some keywords, or choose a topic and submit your own question.