The King in the Car Park

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VBB V
VBB Feb 7, 2013 13:21:18
Replying to Littlestone

Littlestone wrote:
VBB wrote:
From TV progs to newspapers and mags, the public is bombarded with material that it gets excited about, but when it then leads to members of the public promoting their own agendas, public access to learned publications would enable engagement with secondary sources that cite primary source material that takes discussion closer to what happened in history.
In the context of archaeology (which we’re talking about here) the public is hardly ‘bombarded’ with material. Even at the height of the Time Team programmes there was not that much on television dealing with the subject. As for archaeological magazines; Brit Arch used to be available in W H Smiths (I don’t know if it still is) and I’m not sure if Current Archaeology is available other than by subscription. In other words, there’s not that much out there on archaeology with which the public can easily engage or be excited/inspired by.

I’m not sure what you mean by, “... members of the public promoting their own agendas...” Can you say more?

Archaeology doesn't just pop up in dedicated archaeology progs and magazines, look at Dick 3 this week, exceptional but period dramas, advertising, the historic environment, archaeology is everywhere.

Agendas - a reference to our individual backgrounds that shape our interests. To engage with archaeologists on subjects at which a member of the public is at odds, tackling their cited sources gets at the roots.

Can I go for lunch now - I've missed Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, all awash in archaeology!

S Sanctuary
Sanctuary Feb 7, 2013 13:38:09
Replying to VBB

VBB wrote:
Littlestone wrote:
VBB wrote:
From TV progs to newspapers and mags, the public is bombarded with material that it gets excited about, but when it then leads to members of the public promoting their own agendas, public access to learned publications would enable engagement with secondary sources that cite primary source material that takes discussion closer to what happened in history.
In the context of archaeology (which we’re talking about here) the public is hardly ‘bombarded’ with material. Even at the height of the Time Team programmes there was not that much on television dealing with the subject. As for archaeological magazines; Brit Arch used to be available in W H Smiths (I don’t know if it still is) and I’m not sure if Current Archaeology is available other than by subscription. In other words, there’s not that much out there on archaeology with which the public can easily engage or be excited/inspired by.

I’m not sure what you mean by, “... members of the public promoting their own agendas...” Can you say more?

Archaeology doesn't just pop up in dedicated archaeology progs and magazines, look at Dick 3 this week, exceptional but period dramas, advertising, the historic environment, archaeology is everywhere.

Agendas - a reference to our individual backgrounds that shape our interests. To engage with archaeologists on subjects at which a member of the public is at odds, tackling their cited sources gets at the roots.

Can I go for lunch now - I've missed Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, all awash in archaeology!

Which reminds me...

Paddy took 2 stuffed dogs to the Antiques Roadshow

”Ooh”, said the presenter. “This is a very rare set produced by the celebrated Johns Brothers taxidermists who operated in London at the turn of the last century. Do you have any idea what they would fetch if they were in good condition?”

'"Yes" replied Paddy....“Sticks”.

L Littlestone
Littlestone Feb 7, 2013 14:55:52
Replying to VBB

VBB wrote:
Archaeology doesn't just pop up in dedicated archaeology progs and magazines, look at Dick 3 this week, exceptional but period dramas, advertising, the historic environment, archaeology is everywhere.

Agendas - a reference to our individual backgrounds that shape our interests. To engage with archaeologists on subjects at which a member of the public is at odds, tackling their cited sources gets at the roots.

Can I go for lunch now - I've missed Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, all awash in archaeology!

Archaeology is far from being everywhere. It’s not in schools where its absence is a major gap in raising awareness among the young of its importance. The Richard III documentary was an unusual one-off. Period dramas may draw on archaeological research but are just as likely to rely on mainstream interpretations of history. Can’t think of any major advertising campaigns that draw on archaeology. The historic environment is a good one, though could be greatly improved - Avebury being a good example of that where, unless one is prepared to pay to enter the AK Museum or the Barn there is no on-site info to educated the (casual) visitor.

You’ve lost me on the agenda’s issue, except to say that the opportunities to ‘engage with archaeologists’ are few and far between, especially for those living outside areas with an active archaeological agenda (that’s something where the internet could play a much more interactive role).

As for Bargain Hunt, Flog it, and the Antique Roadshow, it’d be interesting to know what percentage of objects that appear on those shows originate from archaeological activities. The impression is that most of the objects are either family heirlooms, chance finds in people’s attics or bought for a bargain in a local auction house – hardly places awash in archaeology.