We are delighted to announce that three Scottish services have received funding to undertake conservation projects. The funding comes through a partnership between the National Manuscript Conservation Trust and SCA. With generous support from National Records of Scotland, the funding will enable Scottish archives to complete a manuscript conservation project. You can find out more about this partnership here.
The three services, and details of their projects are:
Through Lyell’s Eyes – Conservation of the Sir Charles Lyell Collections: Scottish Geologist, Sir Charles Lyell (1797-1878), was fundamental in establishing the popularity and credibility of geology as a science in the 19th century. The material to be conserved with NMCT funding consists of 39 boxes of loose-leaf paper (approx. 6.5 linear metres), mainly correspondence and lecture notes, 294 handwritten notebooks and 23 printed books with significant annotations by Lyell making them now unique copies.
From Mexico to Madrid: the Historia de Tlaxcala (MS Hunter 242): MS Hunter 242 It is one of some 10,000 books and manuscripts from the renowned collection of the physician William Hunter (1718-1783). Regarded as one of the finest 18th century libraries to remain intact, Hunter’s museum collection as a whole is of great national significance as a truly unique survivor of Enlightenment British culture. The quality and breadth of Hunter’s Library is exceptional. While about one third of its contents are medical related, Hunter 242 is one example of a significant number of books that reflect Hunter’s interest in Americana and exploration and travel. This project will provide a skills development opportunity for the GU conservator and would contribute to her ACR application.
HMS Unicorn’s Visitors Books: Dating back to 1929, the Visitors Book is an irreplaceable primary source on HMS Unicorn’s role as a naval headquarters during World War II. This is an object of immense national and international significance, but it is now in urgent need of conservation, research and interpretation.
We would like to thank NMCT and NRS for their generous support.