Industrial Archaeology Review Research Articles

Forty years of Industrial Archaeology Review: A Personal View

ABSTRACTThis article presents a personal view of the origins and development of Industrial Archaeology Review in the 40th volume of its publication. This is preceded by an account of the earlier journals to publish articles on industrial archaeology, as well as a brief account of such articles in the sister journal, Post-Medieval Archaeology. A short history of Industrial Archaeology Review is included for future reference purposes. The range of authors contributing to the journal is considered, from the volunteers in local industrial archaeology societies to the professional archaeologists of the later period. Attention is given to the importance of the publication of the annual Rolt Memorial Lectures, as well as the occasional themed issues where articles on specific topics have been grouped together. Finally, the article suggests how best use can be made, in this article and in the journal generally, of the advantages of digitisation.

The Archaeology of Industrialisation and the Textile Industry: The Example of Manchester and the South-western Pennine Uplands During the 18th Century (Part 2)

Between the early 18th century and the mid-19th century the north-west of England was turned from a relatively impoverished backwater to one of the major industrialisation zones in the world. This is thus a key region for understanding the archaeology of the early stages of industrialisation. The area around Manchester was at the heart of this process, which was driven in this region by the mechanisation of the textile industry. The archaeological remains of this industrial transition are not only very extensive but also comparatively early when considered against the classic period of the Industrial Revolution; the decades either side of 1800. This paper discusses this early evidence and the results of a wide-ranging regional survey looking at the archaeology of industrialisation within the textile industry and the role of local tenant farmers in promoting industry in and around Manchester during the 18th century. It highlights a number of key sources of evidence for this period, provides a gazetteer of sites and suggests some future directions for archaeological research into the early industrialisation of this important region. The first part was published in Industrial Archaeology Review XXX.1.

The Archaeology of Industrialisation and the Textile Industry: the Example of Manchester and the South-western Pennine Uplands During the 18th Century (Part 1)

Between the early 18th century and the mid-19th century the north-west of England was turned from a relatively impoverished backwater to one of the major industrialisation zones in the world. This is thus a key region for understanding the archaeology of the early stages of industrialisation. The area around Manchester was at the heart of this process, which was driven in this region by the mechanisation of the textile industry. The archaeological remains of this industrial transition are not only very extensive but also comparatively early when considered against the classic period of the Industrial Revolution; the decades either side of 1800. This paper discusses this early evidence and the results of a wide-ranging regional survey looking at the archaeology of industrialisation within the textile industry and the role of local tenant farmers in promoting industry in and around Manchester during the 18th century. It highlights a number of key sources of evidence for this period and suggests some future directions for archaeological research into the early industrialisation of this important region. The second part will be published in Industrial Archaeology Review XXX.2.

The Stone Dam Mill Engine House

In the previous issue of Industrial Archaeology Review the present author argued that Industrial Archaeology has failed to establish a distinctive identity. As a result it continues to fall short of achieving its full potential. This lack of identity has permitted conventional archaeologists to assume an increasingly dominant role in the subject, notwithstanding the fact that they are largely inappropriately qualified and are rarely prepared to acquire the depth and breadth of knowledge necessary to undertake the work. In continuing the argument, the author maintains that the growing predominance of social studies-based graduates within Industrial Archaeology has provided the avenue by which this trend has extended itself. An intrinsic feature of the social studies ethos is its alienation from science and technology, leading ultimately to rejection. Thus the direct study of engineering technology, which was initially of key significance to Industrial Archaeology, is now being abandoned in favour of sociological opinions on technology.

Historic Building Record and the Halifax Borough Market Doors

In recent issues of Industrial Archaeology Review and Industrial Archaeology News, the debate concerning the form that Industrial Archaeology should take has resurfaced. In this contribution the author argues that there is now an ascendant social studies faction in the subject and that this is promoting an alignment with conventional archaeology which is serving to undermine further the original basis in industrial technology that gave rise to Industrial Archaeology. It is further suggested that these trends largely originate in the academic world and are in consequence detached from external developments. These external developments are creating a commercial environment where the paying client is the key force and Industrial Archaeology is failing to equip itself to deal with this situation. The article discusses a number of issues concerned with the debate. It is followed by a description and analysis derived from a recent field study on the doors of the Halifax Borough Market which it is contended represent a philosophy and technique that might form a basis for a more effective and coherent approach to commercialised Industrial Archaeology, whilst at the same time preserving academic credibility. A further contribution will, with the permission of the editor, discuss the centrality of technology to Industrial Archaeology and the reasons for its currently unfashionable status.

The Notions of Production and Consumption in Industrial Archaeology: Towards a Research Agenda

Employing a framework of production and consumption, the paper sets out to identify weaknesses within Industrial Archaeology and to point towards research agenda. Some 340 publications in The Journal of Industrial Archaeology, Industrial Archaeology and Industrial Archaeology Review are compared with the Standard Industrial Classification, revealing a notably skewed pattern in favour of four industrial groups — metallic mining and processing, non-metallic mining and processing, textiles, and food and drink. These groups were found to account for 59% of all articles in the 19 industrial groups. Ten industrial groups attracting the most publications are selected for analysis, which indicates that the discipline is weak on 20th-century industries with large plants, and on industries employing modern, sophisticated technology. Much greater emphasis on the 20th century is urged. It is demonstrated that when consumption is disaggregated into its four components, Industrial Archaeology is in fact strong on intermediate manufacturing markets and on intermediate distributive markets, that is, transport. It is argued that weaknesses in wholesaling, retailing, final (domestic) markets and final service markets are more apparent than real.

Industrial Heritage and National Identity — Sharing Data, the Importance of Context and Strategic Priorities

(2005). Industrial Heritage and National Identity — Sharing Data, the Importance of Context and Strategic Priorities. Industrial Archaeology Review: Vol. 27, Understanding the Workplace: A Research Framework for Industrial Archaeology in Britain, pp. 27-31.

Bits and Pieces: A Mini Survey of Computer Collecting

Professor John Hume's Rolt lecture (Industrial Archaeology Review, May 2003) drew attention to the ways in which hitherto unregarded forms of technology have come to be regarded as historically significant artefacts, and to the ways in which individuals had made this cultural change possible. The following article considers the ways in which individuals and institutions collecting computers reflect and drive the same process with the next generation of technology, the computer.

Building a Working-Class Archaeology: The Colorado Coal Field War Project

(2003). Building a Working-Class Archaeology: The Colorado Coal Field War Project. Industrial Archaeology Review: Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 83-95.

Friedrich Edouard Hoffmann and the Invention Of Continuous Kiln Technology: The archaeology of the Hoffmann lime kiln and 19th-century industrial development (Part 2)

Despite the widespread use of Hoffmann technology for lime-burning and brick manufacture in many parts of the world, its origins and development have not yet received the attention they deserve. This paper continues from the first part, published in Industrial Archaeology Review, XXIV: 2, to consider the methods of operation and the significance of the Hoffmann kiln.

Friedrich Edouard Hoffmann and the Invention Of Continuous Kiln Technology: The archaeology of the Hoffmann lime kiln and 19th-century industrial development (Part 2)

Despite the widespread use of Hoffmann technology for lime-burning and brick manufacture in many parts of the world, its origins and development have not yet received the attention they deserve. This paper continues from the first part, published in Industrial Archaeology Review, XXIV: 2, to consider the methods of operation and the significance of the Hoffmann kiln.

Friedrich Edouard Hoffmann and the Invention of Continuous Kiln Technology: The archaeology of the Hoffmann kiln and 19th-century industrial development (Part 1)

Despite the widespread use of Hoffmann technology for lime burning and brick manufacture in many parts of the world, its origins and development have not yet received the attention they deserve. This paper summarises the growth of continuous kiln technology, Hoffmann's patents, and the structural characteristics of Hoffmann kilns. A second part, to be published in Industrial Archaeology Review XXV: 1, considers their methods of operation and assesses the significance of the Hoffmann kiln. It includes a gazetteer of confirmed Hoffmann lime kilns in England and Wales.

The survey and consolidation of industrial remains in Cornwall — a progress report

(1995). The survey and consolidation of industrial remains in Cornwall — a progress report. Industrial Archaeology Review: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 29-38.

Housing the Loom: a comment

(1994). Housing the Loom: a comment. Industrial Archaeology Review: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 86-88.

'Their Name Liveth': A Remote Sensing Survey to Decipher the Illegible Inscriptions on St Mary's War Memorial, Nottingham

(1994). 'Their Name Liveth': A Remote Sensing Survey to Decipher the Illegible Inscriptions on St Mary's War Memorial, Nottingham. Industrial Archaeology Review: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 75-78.

The Robinson Mills: Proto-Industrial Precedents

(1992). The Robinson Mills: Proto-Industrial Precedents. Industrial Archaeology Review: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 58-61.

The Rott Memorial Lecture, 1990 Wind Engines

(1991). The Rott Memorial Lecture, 1990 Wind Engines. Industrial Archaeology Review: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 55-63.

The Association for Industrial Archaeology

"The Association for Industrial Archaeology." Industrial Archaeology Review, 14(1), pp. 111–112

Jesse Shirley's Etruscan Bone and Flint Mill, Stoke-on-Trent: 'The Story Continues'

AbstractJesse Shirley's Bone and Flint Mill in Stoke-on-Trent is the most complete surviving example of a typical nineteenth century steam powered potter's millers works. Built in 1856 it remained in production until 1972. Restoration of the site has been ongoing since 1978 and has been described in an article by Tony Green, Barry Job, Jim Kelly, Mike Walton and Barry Woolfson in S.I.A.S. Journal 1989 and in Industrial Archaeology Review, Autumn 1986 Vol IX, 57-70.This paper continues the story with a description of how a secondhand Cornish boiler has been installed following an archaeological excavation at the site.

Jesse Shirley's Etruscan Bone and Flint Mill, Stoke-on-Trent: 'The Story Continues'

Jesse Shirley's Bone and Flint Mill in Stoke-on-Trent is the most complete surviving example of a typical nineteenth century steam powered potter's millers works. Built in 1856 it remained in production until 1972. Restoration of the site has been ongoing since 1978 and has been described in an article by Tony Green, Barry Job, Jim Kelly, Mike Walton and Barry Woolfson in S.I.A.S. Journal 1989 and in Industrial Archaeology Review, Autumn 1986 Vol IX, 57-70.This paper continues the story with a description of how a secondhand Cornish boiler has been installed following an archaeological excavation at the site.