Difficult Objects / Difficult Heritage

This two-day workshop will explore both tricky objects which present challenges to collections for a variety of reasons (they can’t be kept; they don’t fit classification systems; their provenance is dubious…), and difficult histories (the things we might not want to archive; the histories we’re scared to confront; the lack of fit between different subaltern archives and the stories they tell). The event is closed, small-scale, and invite-only; it will be hosted by Brighton & Hove Museums and by Queer Britain.

Schedule:

Thursday 30 January (Brighton)

10.00-10.20 Welcome and opening remarks

10.20-11.10 Roundtable #1: Difficult object case studies

Contributors: Laurie Bassam, Zorian Clayton, Veronica McKenzie

Session chair: Fiona Anderson

11.10-11.30 Break

11.30-12.15 Breakout sessions #1: The Repair Shop

12.15-12.45 Feedback/feedforward

12.45-13.45 Lunch break (catering provided)

13.45-14.30 Uncomfortable conversation #1: Sequoia Barnes and Glyn Davis

14.30-14.50 Dwelling in discomfort: amplified stitching

14.50-15.10 Break

15.10-16.00 Breakout sessions #2: Wading in the Muck

16.00-16.30 Feedback/feedforward

Friday 31 January (London)

10.00-10.20 Welcome and opening remarks (GD)

10.20-11.10 Roundtable #2: Difficult histories case studies

Contributors: Orla Egan, Zo Mapukata, Jennifer Shearman

Session chair: Sandro Weilenmann

11.10-11.30 Break

11.30-12.15 Breakout sessions #3: Horrible Histories

12.15-12.45 Feedback/feedforward

12.45-13.45 Lunch break (catering provided)

13.45-14.45 Uncomfortable conversation #2: E-J Scott and Eliza Steinbock

14.45-15.10 Break

15.10-16.00 Breakout sessions #4: Tactics for the Thorny

16.00-16.30 Feedback/feedforward