Museum of London Archaeological Archive and Research Centre & Pre-Construct Archaeology

Monday 17th – Friday 21st September 2012

During this week-long course students will learn the basics of processing finds from archaeological excavations. Guided by nearly a dozen experienced practitioners and specialists, you will go through all the various stages from handling and packaging, to sorting and cataloguing. There will be a strong emphasis on practical activities, during which students will benefit from working both with Pre-Construct Archaeology, one of the UK’s foremost archaeological contractors, and with the Museum of London, which holds the world’s largest archaeological archive.

The sessions will include:

• Basic principles of washing, packaging and handling artefacts

• Sorting and cataloguing ‘bulk’ materials: ceramics, building material and environmental material

• Identifying, handling and cataloguing metalwork and other ‘small finds’

• Dealing with organic materials: leather, wood

• Working on cemetery excavations and dealing with human remains

• Liaising with conservators and specialists

• Understanding site archives and writing reports

Further information:

Cost: £300 (no concessions), to include:

• All tutorial expenses, including materials for practical sessions

• Documentation and access to on-line resources following the course

• Tea/coffee, morning and afternoon (five days)

A sandwich lunch is available at an additional cost of £30 for the week.

Next steps

• To book, please contact the Museum of London Box Office, telephone: 020 7001 9844 (opening times: Monday to Friday: 9.15am to 6pm; Saturday: 10am to 6pm)

• To obtain further information and/or to discuss the content of the course, please contact (preferably by e-mail) Francis Grew or phone 020 7566 9317.