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NORFOLK JOINT MUSEUMS COMMITTEE
21st November 2003
Item No.
POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARCHIVE FROM
SEDGEFORD, WEST NORFOLK
Report by the Head of Museums & Archaeology
This report outlines the key issues associated with the
potential acquisition of a substantial archive of archaeological
material excavated at Sedgeford, West Norfolk
1.
BACKGROUND
1.1
The Sedgeford Historical & Archaeological Research Project (SHARP) was
founded in 1996 to undertake historical and archaeological investigations into
the parish of Sedgeford, West Norfolk. Excavation and survey work takes
place on this multi-period site during each summer for approximately six
weeks.
1.2
SHARP is a registered charity. Most project staff are volunteers, with
participants including many people from the local community. SHARP also
offers training opportunities including UEA Continuing Education courses in a
range of specialist subjects, alongside practical fieldwork training.
1.3
A substantial archive of excavation finds has been produced during the life of
the project to date. This archive will expand with each new excavation
season. The SHARP project director has recently approached NMAS with a
view to NMAS acquiring this archive.
1.4
As a West Norfolk site of considerable archaeological significance, the
SHARP archive falls within the approved Collecting Policy of King's Lynn
Museums. The Lynn Museum already holds a number of archaeological finds
from that area.
2.
IMPLICATIONS TO BE ASSESSED
2.1
Officers from NMAS inspected the SHARP archive in October to carry out an
initial assessment.
2.2
Prior to agreeing to the acquisition of the substantial SHARP archive, NMAS
will need to assess the following issues in partnership with SHARP:
 Resource implications of any remedial conservation work
 Storage resource implications
 Arrangements for the transfer of archive ownership to NMAS from the
landowner
 Arrangements for storage of/access to archive prior to the production of
SHARP excavation report publications
 Sustainable arrangements for provision of specialist advice and support by
relevant NMAS staff (e.g. archaeological conservators)
 Standards of documentation and curation for the existing archive
 Retention and disposal policy for excavated material
2.3
The existing archive is in good order with a good level of documentation. It is
proposed that SHARP will seek funding to meet the costs of appropriate
remedial conservation prior to the deposition of the archive.
3
DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
3.1
Detailed assessments of remedial conservation and storage requirements will
be undertaken by NMAS in early 2004. The conservation assessment will
require the allocation of approximately three days of NMAS conservator time.
3.2
The detailed assessments will inform the development of a full report to the
Joint Museums Committee. It is envisaged that a final decision regarding the
acquisition of the archive will be taken at that point.
4.
RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
5.
(a)
Finance
None
(b)
Property
None
(c)
Staff
Staff time to prepare detailed assessment
reports
(d)
Information Technology
None
CONCLUSION
NMAS will assess the implications associated with the acquisition of the
SHARP excavation archive and bring detailed recommendations to JMC.
6.
RECOMMENDATION
That members note this report.
Originator:
Robin Hanley
Area Museums Officer for King's Lynn & West Norfolk
Email: robin.hanley@norfolk.gov.uk
Tel: 01553 775001