Re: Does antiquariism still exist? | Forum

Grendel Nov 11, 2003 21:14:18

Replying to Hayley

In terms of the titled gentleman/vicar/landowner getting on his horse with a team miners to dig three barrows in a day then, no, antiquarianism does not exist.

BUT has the active physical digging aspect been replaced by amateurs (like those on TMA, the stones list etc) who undertake research for the love of it (some of it that does get published but believe me it doesn't cover costs, but hey it's a hobby). Some research is 'blue sky thinking' but it may trigger 'serious' (academic) study.

Can I be the first to coin 'e-antiquarianism'?! The internet is the biggest step forward in antiquarianism since the spade.

Cheers

Grendel

Megalithic Nov 11, 2003 23:32:01

Replying to Grendel

No - have you tried saying it? But if you do I want my twisted tongue back :-)
Andy

BoC Nov 12, 2003 00:37:18

Replying to Grendel

"The internet is the biggest step forward in antiquarianism since the spade" could well be an interesting essay topic in itself. However it would be my first line in the essay here. Not dead... just moving with the times..!

pebblesfromheaven Nov 12, 2003 08:39:22

Replying to Grendel

I think we unfortunately have to mention here the metal-detector contigent. If you were to ask them I'm sure they think they are acting for all the right reasons - as did the old-fashioned antiquarians, however misguided. The potential for causing damage to sites in the process is possible either way in my opinion.

I think you'll find most people on the TMA forum here distance themselves from that approach.

.o0O0o.