Category: News

  • Annual conference announcement

    Men and boys at a table drinking as a musician plays the lute. Engraving by A. Reindel, early 19th century, after A. Desenne after B. Manfredi, c. 1600. Wellcome Collection Reference: 26531i.

    The British Records Association’s Annual Conference 2023 is a one-day tantalising taste of the rich archival resources on the drinks industry in the UK. It will take place on Thursday 5th October, 9.30-17.30 and will be at The Gallery, 77 Cowcross Street, London, EC1M 6EL.

    The conference will cover topics such as:

    • London’s breweries
    • The Brewers’ Company
    • The Brewers’ Society and brewery history
    • The Government and wine (not a lockdown party)
    • The Aberfeldy Distillery
    • The British Beer and Pub Association archives
    • Reactivation of the Brora Distillery using the Diageo Archives
    • The history of Beefeater Gin
    • British brewers as patrons of the arts
    • Connections between the UK brewing history and contemporary trends, notably female brewers.

    The confirmed speakers are: Mike Brown, Archivist (Brewery History Society); Samantha Case, Archivist (Bacardi); Dr Robert Curry, Associate Director, & Annabel Valentine, Archivist (Oxford Brookes University, Learning Resources Directorate); Hannah Dunmow, Archivist (The Brewers’ Company); Professor Judith Hawley (Royal Holloway, University of London); Rachel MacGregor, Acting Archives Manager (Modern Records Centre, Warwick University); Joanne McKerchar, Senior Archivist (The Diageo Archive); Keith Mitchell (The National Archives); Claire Titley, Catalogue Editor (London Metropolitan Archives); and Dr Emma West (University of Birmingham).

    As well as focussing on specific breweries and distilleries our speakers will highlight the value of these collections for social, cultural and economic research.

    Tickets can now be booked on Eventbrite.

    *Conference fees include full catering for the day*

    For any accessibility requirements please email our Secretary.

  • New publication – English archives, an historical survey

    English Archives - A historical Survey by Richard Olney. A ground breaking history of England's archival records from the Middle Ages to modern times

    The British Records Association (BRA) has recently partnered with Liverpool University Press (LUP) in publishing ‘English Archives: An Historical Survey’ by Richard Olney. The book is now available from LUP and other booksellers.

    The BRA will be hosting an informal launch event for the book at 6pm on Monday 10th July at The Gallery, 77 Cowcross Street, London, EC1M 6EJ. The event is open to all, but attendees are asked to register using the link available below. We look forward to welcoming guests to celebrate the book’s publication.

    Register for the event on Monday 10th July

  • Write for our journal ‘Archives’

    Write for our journal ‘Archives’

    Have you recently completed a project using archives? We are looking for submissions to our journal ‘Archives’ (which is also a perk of being a member of the BRA!).

    ‘Archives’ provides accessible and engaging articles that increase understanding of the whereabouts, interpretation and historical significance of archival material of all historical periods. It provides a platform for historians and archivists to share their discoveries and information about the sources they have used for research.  We particularly welcome contributions from those at an early stage of their careers.

    The types of topics we are interested in can include the following:

    • Archival trends, theories and practices
    • Archives and the community
    • Archives and diversity
    • Approaches towards using archives and source materials
    • Archives and accessibility
    • Record keeping practices
    • Digital curation.

    Articles can be submitted at any time; do read our Statement of Editorial Policy here. Suggestions for articles and submissions should be sent electronically to the editor at mailto:editor@britishrecordsassociaton.org.uk who looks forward to hearing from you.