University of Lincoln Libraries and Learning Skills Blog
//The aim of the University Library blog is to connect the University of Lincoln community with information related to them locally within the institution and the Library, but also regionally and nationally. We would like to promote and communicate a variety of initiatives, resources, developments and interesting stories that are meaningful in both the local University and wider community.
//Before diving into the world of archives, it’s essential to grasp what archives are and what they encompass, including their historical and political significance. It also helps to understand the many definitions of the archive and the types of archival collections which can be found.
The term “archive” can refer to both a physical or virtual place where items are stored, as well as the collection of materials themselves.
According to ArchivesHub, archives are:
“Materials that have been created by individuals, groups or organisations during the course of their life or work and deemed to be worth keeping permanently for the purposes of research and as evidence of the functions and responsibilities of their creator.”
(ArchivesHub, 2025, Using Archives: A beginner’s guide)
The ArchivesHub’s Beginner’s Guide is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to understand key archival terms and concepts. It explains how archives differ from libraries, who manages them, and also offers practical advice on working with both physical and digital archives. The guide highlights that archives:
“reflect our personal, social, economic, and political activities throughout history, up to the present day, and they provide evidence that sheds essential light on the who, why, when, and where of our history.”
(ArchivesHub, 2025, Using Archives: A beginner’s guide)
This underscores the importance of understanding the historical and political implications of archives. Whether you’re a researcher or student looking for historical information, or just curious about the past, archives offer invaluable insights into our collective history.
Archive collections can be defined as either material with a common provenance, or ‘fonds’, or as artificial collections.
Provenance refers to the origins and history of something over time. Collections with a common provenance are brought together organically by a person, family or organisation in the course of their activities (also called ‘fonds’), and the materials are often kept in the order in which they were stored by the individual(s) or organisation who collected it. This gives the collection evidential value.
An example of a collection with common provenance is the papers and correspondence of Dorothy Hodgkin, (the English Nobel prize-winning Chemist) which provide a very full record of her career, research and wider professional and public responsibilities. The Bodleian Library received them as a gift directly from Hodgkin and they will have been kept as she ordered them as far as possible, to provide evidence of how she worked, clearly showing the provenance and origin of her work and this collection.
Image: Dorothy Hodgkin in her laboratory, 1964 – https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dorothy-Hodgkin
Artificial collections are where items have been brought together artificially because they bring together similar materials in a way that is useful for research, but do not have a common origin.
One example of an artificial collection could be letters or diaries from different sources that show a particular event or represent a group of people, or a collection of ephemera on a particular subject, such as the British and Irish Women’s Letters and Diaries, which we provide access to on our Library Databases.
Image: Alexander Street Press, 2025 (War Diaries)
When you think about archives, it’s easy to picture grand buildings like the National Archives at Kew in London, local record offices, or repositories in universities, libraries, and museums. But did you know that our earliest ancestors had what we now call “living archives”? These were key members of the tribe or community who passed down stories and traditions and in some indigenous communities, this practice continues today.
Image: The National Archives, https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/
Oral traditions of storytelling, rituals, recitations, songs, and dances evolved into early forms of record-keeping. Ancient petroglyphs and pictograms depicted royal, agricultural, and mercantile activities, often showcasing family records of the elite. This evolved into a tradition of ‘history writing’ in the Greco-Roman world, where literate individuals began recording key contemporary events, legal and church records, and records of trade and colonial empires.
The modern concept of archival work as a science emerged during the Age of Enlightenment, bringing rationality and scientific rigor to archival theory. The first archival education programme was established in 1777 at the University of Naples (Gilliland, 2017, 33-39).
A significant milestone in archival science was the publication of the “Dutch Manual,” or the Manual for the Arrangement and Description of Archives, in 1898 by Samuel Muller, Johan A. Feith, and Robert Fruin. Ratified in 1910 at the International Congress of Librarians and Archivists in Brussels, this manual is highly regarded for its principles of provenance and original order, which have become foundational concepts in modern archival practice. It provides a systematic methodology for arranging and describing archives, distinguishing archival methods from those used in libraries. However, as Eric Ketelaar points out, this did not lead to uniformity in European archival practices and quotes a Dutch colleague who aptly said, “Europe is united by its differences” (1997, 146).
Image: Open Library, 2019, https://openlibrary.org/books/OL8804544M/Manual_for_the_Arrangement_and_Description_of_Archives_%28Archival_Classics_Series%29
The principles of archival practice “reflected the hierarchies that generated the records as well as the registry systems that supported the work- and information flow in European government bureaucracies” (Gilliland, 2017, 38). Given that most archives were founded by the elite or those in power, and literate individuals (another privilege of the upper classes), it is clear how political ramifications affect the creation and management of archives.
Archives are not just collections of documents; they are politically charged spaces that reflect power dynamics and control over information. Gale and Featherstone highlight this by describing archives as a “site of power relations, a signifier of the historical and cultural division and ownership of information” (2011, 17). They reference Jacques Derrida’s critique of ‘archive fever,’ which points out that the term “archive” originates from the place where official documents are stored by those in power. Derrida cautions that “some scholars have assumed too quickly that the archive holds the truth” (2011, 18-19).
Gilliland further explores this idea, noting that some scholars view archives as “enabling, collusive, or surveilling.” She emphasizes that there is a growing body of research examining the role of archivists and recordkeepers in colonial, military, and other oppressive bureaucracies, both historically and in contemporary times (2017, 41-42).
This discussion brings to mind George Orwell’s novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four, where he famously wrote, “Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past” (1949, 34). In Orwell’s dystopian world, the government manipulates public perception by altering and destroying important documents, even fabricating events that never occurred.
Understanding the political implications of archives is crucial for anyone working in or with these repositories of history. They are not just neutral spaces but are deeply intertwined with power and control.
Image: Author’s own using Wasserstrom, 2019.
Archives often serve as community memory initiatives, preserving the collective history of a group. However, it is essential to remain curious and critical when exploring archives. Always question who compiled the archives and for what purpose. Consider who is telling the story and whether it is their story to tell.
Dorothy Berry’s The House Archives Built provides a poignant example. She recounts discovering a photo of a baptism in a river near her family’s homestead, catalogued with no known date, individuals, or creator. The only known detail was the professor who made collecting these materials their life’s work. The narrative shifts from the families and communities represented to the professor’s research journey.
Berry emphasizes that this is not an isolated incident. It is a common story of how materials become the property of colleges and universities. She highlights the issue with a photo of a baptism captioned “imagine all your family’s photos living under the heading ‘Katharine G Lederer Ozarks African American History Collection’ with no mention of your family as contributors.” This phenomenon is particularly problematic within Black history, where stories often go untold or are told without acknowledging the people’s names and dates.
Image: Berry, 2021
This example underscores the importance of critically engaging with archives to ensure that the true stories and contributions of communities are recognised and preserved.
Cover image: National Archives Events – MI5: Official Secrets – Online Curator Tour https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/whats-on/online-events/
Alexander Street Press (2025) British and Irish Women’s Letters and Diaries. Available from https://search.alexanderstreet.com/bwl2 [accessed 13 March 2025].
ArchivesHub (2025) Using archives: a beginner’s guide. London: Jisc. Available from https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/guides/usingarchives/ [accessed 6 March 2025].
Berry, D. (2021) The house archives built [blog]. Available from https://www.uproot.space/features/the-house-archives-built [accessed 6 March 2025].
Gale, M.B. and Featherstone, A. (2011) The imperative of the archive: creative archive research. In: Kershaw, B. and Nicholshon, H. (eds.) Research methods in theatre and performance. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 17-40. Available from https://search-ebscohost-com.proxy.library.lincoln.ac.uk/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=e000xww&AN=370799&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s4895734 [accessed 6 March 2025].
Gilliland, A. (2017) Archival and recordkeeping traditions in the multiverse and their importance for researching situations and situating research. In: Gilliland, A.J., McKemmish, S. and Lau, A.J. (eds.) Research in the archival multiverse. Victoria, Australia: Monash University Press, 31-73. Available from http://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/31429 [accessed 6 March 2025].
Ketelaar, E. (1997) The difference best postponed? Cultures and comparative archival science. Archivaria, 44, 142-149.
Muller, S., Feith, J.A., and Fruin, R. (2003) Manual for the Arrangement and Description of Archives. Chicago, IL: Society of American Archivists. Available from https://openlibrary.org/books/OL8804544M/Manual_for_the_Arrangement_and_Description_of_Archives_(Archival_Classics_Series) [accessed 13 March 20215].
Orwell, G. (1949) Nineteen Eighty-Four. London: Secker and Warburg.
Wasserstrom, J. (2019) The enduring relevance of George Orwell’s 1984. New Statesman, 14 August. Available from https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2019/08/the-enduring-relevance-of-george-orwells-1984 [accessed 13 March 2025].
//Insights from the New Research Librarians after 6 Months in the Role
Dr Claire Pike (Research Librarian for College of Health and Science) & Stephen Macdonald (Research Librarian for the College of Arts, Social Science and Humanities)
Last Summer, two new roles were created in the Library: Research Librarian for College of Health and Science, and Research Librarian for the College of Arts, Social Science and Humanities. Although support for research is offered by all Academic Subject Librarians, the creation of these two roles allows for a greater focus on – and more dedicated time for – research support and services.
The first six months have focused on gaining an understanding of the research happening in our respective Colleges and getting to know and make contact with researchers across the institution, as well as colleagues in R&E and research librarians at other libraries across the UK. We have been attending our respective College Research Committee meetings, which has allowed us to stay updated with the latest developments and meet the Directors of Research of the College and Schools we support.
Our first major project was to produce a support guide for researchers on the Library website. This guide covers a number of areas including open access and open research, research data management, copyright, research metrics and systematic reviews, as well as a section dedicated to postgraduate research students. We have also organised a series of webinars delivered through the Research Postgraduate Development Programme and the Academic Staff Development Programme, covering topics such as reference management software and systematic reviews. Our goal is to add new topics to the programme in 2025/26.
One part of the role that we are both passionate about is advocating for open access and open research. As part of International Open Access Week (21st-27th October 2024) we launched a scholarly communications blog with Jade King and Charlotte Mitchell (Research Repository and Research Data Officers) which included several posts on open access, as well as delivering webinars open to everyone in the University. It was great to see a range of both students and academics attending. We are hoping to organise more University-wide events in the future advocating both open access and open research. We have also had the opportunity to contribute to the development of relevant policy documents, most recently updating the University Open Access policy to include Rights Retention.
We are both enjoying the great variety of tasks the role offers, from supporting individuals, and designing and delivering webinars, through to having more strategic input, such as policy development. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue expanding our support for researchers, fostering a culture of open research and contributing to the ongoing success of our academic community.
//LGBT+ History month was founded by Schools Out with a new theme is outlined each year on their Schools Out website
This year the UK 2025 LGBT+ History Month theme is: Activism and Social Change.
Throughout history LGBT+ people have been activists and helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone using many different approaches to activism. In addition to simply living openly with their sexuality or gender identity, activism can be participation in protests and rallies, campaigning for rights, boycotts and direct action to creative protests such as art, music, literature, poetry, theatre, comedy, dance or creating zines to highlight the issues of the day. There are many ways throughout history that LGBT+ people have been actively lobbying for rights and for meaningful change.
Each year, five LGBT+ historical figures are chosen in line with the theme. This year, five LGBT+ people have been chosen, who have created social change from across the centuries in progressing change for women, the environment, housing, nuclear disarmament, preserving heritage, abolition of the slave trade, and immigration, among many other causes.
The 2025 LGBT+ Historical Figures are:
Octavia Hill
Ivor Cummings
Annie Kenney
Charlie Kiss
Olaudah Equiano
The University Library and Ross Library have produced displays and reading list to highlight the life and work of these amazing activists and change makers. In addition, the reading list also highlights the activists who have fought for LGBTQI+ rights over the years. In the current political climate it continues to be necessary for LGBTQI+ people and their allies to stand up against bigotry and discrimination.
University Library LGBTQI+ History Month 2025 Reading list
//A group from the Library team were treated to a trip to London to celebrate our award-winning Zine Collection. We visited the London College of Communications to explore their amazing collection of vintage zines, and then were allowed to choose an exhibition of our own to visit.
Jemima chose ‘Rebel – 30 Years of London Fashion‘ at the Design Museum, London. (REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion – Design Museum # RebelFashion)
This exhibition celebrates 30 years of the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN programme, which supports new design talent. Guest-curated by BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent Sarah Mower MBE and co-curated by Design Museum Senior Curator Rebecca Lewin, the exhibition showed many outfits which have garnered attention throughout the last three decades, such as Bjork’s swan dress from 2001 and Sam Smith’s inflatable latex suit from 2023’s BRIT awards. Items such as the sketchbooks, accessories, and the design process were shown alongside the clothes. Nearly 100 innovative fashion designs were included, from names such as JW Anderson, Wales Bonner, Erdem, Molly Goddard, Christopher Kane, Simone Rocha, Russell Sage, and many more. There were also interactive experiences such as backstage virtual make-up mirrors to get an idea of the culture behind the scenes at a fashion show, and video of the original catwalk shows, complete with music to transport you back in time to the turn of the millennium.
Jocelyn chose ‘Fantasy: Realms Of The Imagination‘ at The British Library
The British Library exhibition explored the beautiful, uncanny and sometimes monstrous makings of fantasy. It celebrated some of the finest fantasy creators, revealing how their imagined lands, languages and creatures came into being. It explored the traditions of a genre that has created some of the most passionate and enduring fandoms. From fairy tales and folklore to the fantastical worlds of Studio Ghibli. I was able to travel through Middle-earth and into the depths of Pan’s Labyrinth. And discover how the oldest forms of literature continue to inspire fantasy authors, filmmakers and game producers today.
Oonagh chose ‘Women in Revolt: Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990‘ at Tate Britain.
The exhibition presents two decades of art as provocation, protest and progress. Taking the 1970 National Women’s Liberation Conference as it’s starting point, the exhibition explores the relationship between art and the women’s movement in the UK. It rings together women who made art about their lives and the inequalities that informed them, acknowledging that the personal is political.
There were over 100 artists represented and the exhibition follows the footsteps of the artists, historians and archivists who have safeguarded their history. Art historians Rozsika Parker and Griselda Pollock published ‘Framing Feminisim‘ in 1985 which introduces the reader to art and the women’s movement in the UK.
Overall, the trip was a fantastic opportunity to network with library professionals and to take advantage of the amazing experiences London has to offer.
//By Jamie Markham
My name is Jamie Markham, and I am a historian and academic who believes in the power of student-led initiatives to transform not just the academic environment but society at large. In this article I want to talk about something that goes beyond the textbook-how student-led efforts in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are vital to creating more equitable and supportive spaces for everyone. As someone who has spent years studying history and education, I have learned that real change does not only come from academic credentials, but It also comes from the students themselves, pushing for a more inclusive and equitable environment-one that goes beyond what can be taught in the classroom. This belief fuelled my work as Chair of the Student Equality, Diversity, and Inclusive Committee at the University of Lincoln (SEDIC).
Continue reading “Beyond the Textbook: The Importance of Student-Led EDI Initiatives”
//
One of my favourite sentences is ‘Have you read …?’, either because a good book can be recommended to a friend/colleague/family member or because following a positive response the result is an interesting discussion. I am referring to works of fiction but being a librarian this obviously spills over into work. As Special Collections Librarian I am seconded to Lincoln Cathedral Library two days a week, working in Exchequer Gate home of medieval manuscripts, early printed books, modern reference and archival material, available for staff and students.
Toni Watts was Lincoln Cathedral’s Artist in Residence 2015-2016, during which time she spent many hours looking through the illuminations in Lincoln Cathedral Library’s medieval manuscripts. Not wanting to lose her exquisite skill set the Cathedral has retained the connection with her position as Cathedral Illuminator. Find out more about Toni’s work – A Medieval Scribe in the Modern Day: the Illuminations of Toni Watts
Last month I came across a catalogue record in Lincoln Cathedral’s library catalogue for Mark Clarke’s Early English Text Society’s 2016 volume 347.
I emailed Toni with the ‘Have you read’ sentence and during her subsequent visit to Exchequer Gate, where the journal is located, Toni found a recipe for pink. A proper pink, not an orangey pink, which required brazilwood and an artist’s eye to transform from the page into paint. This pink will be used in Toni’s future classes, as she said “The benefit of access to a good book”.
The following week I collected a bumper crop of oak galls from oak trees in Silica Country Park, which Toni uses to make the iron gall ink and will be used to make her black ink.
Claire Arrand Special Collections Librarian https://guides.library.lincoln.ac.uk/specialcollections
//By Lexi Breen (Senior Lecturer, School of Health and Social Care, College of Health and Science)
In 2015 as an incidental finding at the age of 50 I found out I was intersex and had XXY Chromosomes, I was initially surprised and concerned, but the more I learned about it, the more it explained the way I looked, felt, some developmental and health issues I had experienced and why I’m now being monitored and treated for other medical conditions. Although I have had a generally healthy and happy life, it does make me wonder what difference it would have made if it had been diagnosed earlier and suspect it would affect some of my life choices.
XXY is a chromosome variation characterised by an additional X chromosome in those assigned male at birth (47, XXY) and one of 50+ intersex variations.
When Rishi Sunak said in a cheap jibe against trans people last year “a man is a man and a woman is a woman, it is just common sense” he couldn’t be more wrong and demonstrated his lack of knowledge and inbred bias.
When we talk about sex rather than gender its not as simple as a binary choice. Sex is a combination of; Chromosomal, Gonadal structures, Internal and external reproductive system, hormones, Pubertal Sex Changes, Brain Sex, Behavioural and “Cognitive” Sex.
Intersex people are born with sex characteristics (including genitals, gonads, hormone production and chromosome patterns) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.
Intersex people like the wider population can have any gender identity and sexual orientation. However, a number are drawn to the LGBTQI+ community as they too are a marginalised group, who are often stigmatised and subject to discrimination.
Although the majority of people with XXY will identify as men, there is a number who have gender incongruence and or dysphoria or in my case gender euphoria, a celebration of the person I was meant to be and had kept hidden for most of my life.
As an institution as part of our ongoing programme of decolonising the curriculum we need to look outside our borders to the wider world and how they respect intersex and transgender people. In many countries intersex or a third gender is legally recognised on passports and other legal documents. And in other countries subsets of the population who live in a gender that differs than that assigned at birth are accepted and sometimes hold a place of reverence in their culture, Examples of this include; Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Indigenous people of North America, Ireland, Malta, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan and Samoa.
Now I do what I can to advocate for all intersex people regardless of their identities.
Bibliography
Davis, G (2015) Contesting intersex : The dubious diagnosis. [ebook]. New York: NYU Press (Biopolitics: Medicine, Technoscience, and Health in the 21st Century). Available from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=1020827&site=eds-live&scope=site [accessed 9 February 2024].
InterACT (2024) Intersex variations glossary. Sudbury, MA, US: InterACT. Available from https://interactadvocates.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Intersex-Variations-Glossary.pdf [accessed 9 February 2024]
Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association (2024) Available from https://www.ksa-uk.net [accessed 9 February 2024]
McKenzie, K (2023) Sexual differentiation of the nervous system [Lecture]
Prevet, S. E (2003) Intersex and identity. The contested self. London: Rutgers University Press.
Taylor, O (2018) 10 societies that recognise more than two genders. Listverse. Available from https://listverse.com/2018/10/03/10-societies-that-recognize-more-than-two-genders/ [accessed 9 February 2024]
Turners Syndrome Support Society (2024) Available from https://tss.org.uk/ [accessed 9 February 2024]
United Nations Human Rights (2024) Intersex. United Nations Human Rights. Available from https://www.unfe.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Intersex-English.pdf [accessed 9 February 2024]
Walker, M. (ed.) (2018) Interdisciplinary and global perspectives on intersex. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
//By Dr Michael Toze (Senior Lecturer in Public Health and Social Determinants of Health, Medical School, College of Health and Science)
Gender diverse people existed well before modern medicine. One relatively well documented example is Erauso, who escaped from a convent in Spain somewhere around the year 1600 and spend much of the next fifty or so years living as a man, eventually receiving permission from the Pope to go on wearing male clothes even after his birth sex became known. It is difficult, and arguable entirely anachronistic, to determine how Erauso would have lived and what he would have called himself had he lived now, and this raises questions about how we narrate his story. It is also important to note that Erauso’s story is inextricably located in a context of class, race and colonialism. Nonetheless, it seems clear that in his own time and place, Erauso sought to live his life as a man. Velasco (2001) explores how Erauso’s life story has been reshaped over the centuries in line with the fears and desires of others.
Attributed to Juan van der Hamen – https://historia.nationalgeographic.com.es/a/increible-historia-catalina-erauso-monja-alferez_13152
Catalina de Erauso (San Sebastián, España, 1592 – Cuitlaxtla, México, 1650), llamada “La Monja Alférez”, fue una monja y soldado española.
Continue reading “Trans identities and medicalisation: A complex relationship.”//Focus on the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment
Dr Zakkiya Khan (they/them)
EDI Lead: Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment
This week, we unite to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week, fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and understanding. As the chair of the LSABE EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) committee, I would like to share resources that aim to enrich our collective knowledge and empower us to create a more inclusive environment within the field of architecture and the built environment.
1. Awareness:
📚 Why Transgender Awareness Matters
In recognising Transgender Week of Awareness, it is crucial to understand who are transgender individuals and what are some of the challenges faced by transgender individuals? Explore resources that shed light on the importance of awareness and education in creating a supportive community.
2. Design and Space Inclusion
🏠 Inclusive Design: Shaping Spaces for All Genders
Architects wield immense influence in shaping the world around us. Delve into the principles of inclusive design and the transformative impact it can have on creating spaces that celebrate gender diversity. Let’s explore how our designs can be a catalyst for positive change.
Take a look at this guidelines document on trans-inclusive design for museums, galleries, archives and heritage organisations:
3. Space and Gender
🌐 Rethinking Spaces: Exploring Gender-Inclusive Environments
Spaces and gender are intricately connected. Discover how the design of spaces can influence and impact our perceptions of gender. Let’s engage in a conversation about challenging environments to resonate with diverse gender identities.
4. Design that Makes a Difference:
✨ Architectural Activism: Designing for Social Change
Architecture has the power to be a force for social change and healing. Explore the works of designers who use their craft to address societal issues, including those related to gender diversity. Let’s be inspired to make a difference through our designs.
5. Gender Diverse Designers
👩🎨 Spotlight on Gender Diverse Designers
Celebrate the contributions of gender-diverse designers who have left a mark on the world of architecture and design. Their stories inspire us to embrace diversity and cultivate an environment where every voice is heard.
[Perspectives of Gender Diverse Designers]
[Interior designers addressing inequality]
This week, let’s embrace the opportunity to deepen our understanding, challenge assumptions, and cultivate a culture of empathy and acceptance. By integrating these resources into our collective knowledge, we can contribute to making the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment a place of inclusivity.
Together, let’s build a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
//Decolonising@Lincoln summer project 2023
Chiji Amaechi (Graduate – Bachelor of Architecture 2023)
Kuro Krukrubo (Graduate – Bachelor of Architecture 2023)
Leslie Mfonow Tochukwu (3rd Year Student – Bachelor of Architecture 2023)
(Mentor: Mark Olweny, Senior Lecturer in Architecture)
Architectural education embarks on a journey of exploration, utilising various architects and their projects to foster an understanding of the development of architectural ideas. Yet, a conspicuous absence becomes apparent – the lack of architects of colour and architectural projects designed by individuals of colour in formal lectures, tutorials, and architectural publications. This absence in the established canon poses a challenge, particularly for us as students of colour who may come to believe that architects of colour are non-existent.
Recognising the importance of providing students with access to diverse histories within architectural education, we initiated a project that culminated with this exhibition. A pivotal question arose: ‘Where are the hidden voices in architecture?’ As Craig Wilkins suggests in his book “Diversity Among Architects,” we must exercise caution not to equate invisibility with absence. Undoubtedly, architects from minority groups have existed in the past, and their lack of immediate visibility does not negate their existence. This realisation propelled us to delve into the archives to uncover some of these individuals and their individual stories. This was bolstered by the election of Muyiwa Oki as the first black president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2022.
Continue reading “Hidden Architectural Voices”