The National Archives and ARA Preservation & Conservation Group present 'Spores for Thought' – Mitigating and Managing Mould (The National Archives, Kew)

Spores for Thought will explore a holistic view of mould. Aimed at conservators, archivists, and heritage custodians, the programme will include discussions on existing guidance, recent research, cultural taboos concerning mould, and practical responses to mitigating and managing mould in collections.

Tours of The National Archives’ repositories and contamination/hazardous material viewing spaces will be available for a limited number of in-person attendees on a first come, first served basis. Delegates will have the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences during the final panel discussion.

10.00am – 10.30am: Registration

10.30am – 11.30am: Tours of the Repositories including; contamination room; glass room - overview of The National Archives storage and approach to mould (limited to 20 people)

11.30am – 1.00pm:

Philip Gale: The National Archives guidance and sector leadership (11.30am – 12.00pm)
Natalie Brown: The Taboo of Mould, including a Glossary of Terms (12.00pm – 12.30pm)
Sarah VanSnick & Sarah Noble: Mould Workflows at The National Archives (12.30pm – 1pm)

1.00pm – 2.00pm: Lunch (NOT PROVIDED, there is a café on site and options nearby)

2.00pm – 3.00pm:

Emma Buchholz: ‘Creating a Mould Remediation and Access Strategy for HES Archive Collections’ (2.00pm – 2.30pm)
Emily Watts: ‘A Microclimate Mystery – A Case Study on Investigating a Mould Outbreak’ (2.30pm – 3.00pm)

3.00pm – 3.15pm: Tea break

3.15pm – 4.15pm: Panel Discussion (discussing questions, issues and topics proposed by attendees)

Tickets:

ARA Member (in-person attendance) Free

Non-member (in-person attendance) Free

Although this event is being organised in part by the Preservation and Conservation Group, we welcome participants from all the ARA’s nations, regions and sections.

Bookings will close on Wednesday 4th June at 2.30pm

Please note that this session will be recorded.

If you have any questions, please email the event organisers at preservationandconservation@archives.org.uk

If you have any accessibility or dietary requirements, please let us know when booking your ticket.

Additional venue information:

Please note The National Archives has mandatory bag checks in place. Unfortunately, they are unable to accommodate bags/luggage larger than cabin bag size (43cm x 42cm x 24cm), sports or recreational equipment (musical instruments), large wheelie bags or boxes.

For information on how to find The National Archives please follow the link https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/how-to-find-us/#:~:text=the%20car%20park.-,Public%20transport,your%20journey%20via%20public%20transport.

For further information on the accessibility of The National Archives’ spaces please follow the link https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/about/visit-us/information-for-disabled-visitors/

''Spores for Thought' – Mitigating and Managing Mould (hybrid event)