The Homerton Archives recently welcomed MArch student Amelia Brown from London School of Architecture, who conducted research about the College’s recently constructed Dining Hall, created by architect Feilden Fowles. At Homerton, Amelia was able to research the work of Arts and Crafts architect H.G. Ibberson in the Archives’ built history collections. Of particular interest were insights into the building's materials, construction process and techniques. We were able to provide primary sources like architectural models, plans and written records.
The result is a beautifully produced publication, Building as Process? Or Building as Object? (pictured here), which explores the dialogue between the new Dining Hall with the College’s existing Arts and Crafts structures, whether intentional or not. And whether it is possible to achieve the aims of Arts and Crafts movement, namely the visibility of craftsmanship in modern building practice.
Amelia’s work is a great example of the possibilities of archival research. Archives can be a tool for inspiring creative research paths, whether it be about built history, drama, music, the history of education or women’s history.
If you have a research interest that you would like to pursue through Homerton Archives, please contact the archivist at archives@homerton.cam.ac.uk.
Our collections are currently being catalogued and you can view some of them here: https://archivesearch.lib.cam.ac.uk/repositories/31.
