The Archive Belongs to Us

Join us at the gallery for an discussion on cultural representation, preservation and the power of community-driven storytelling.

Archivist Cassia Clarke will be in conversation discussing her debut book, Preserving the Familial Archive. The handbook offers practical, affordable and sustainable strategies for preserving printed photographic archives at home. Through personal anecdotes, including her own journey rescuing family photographs from storage in an airing cupboard, Clarke breaks down the key stages of archival preservation: fact-finding, handling, packaging, storage and navigating the emotional complexity of preserving family history.

The conversation will use Clarke’s book as a jumping point to explore what institutions choose to preserve and exhibit versus the personal and cultural histories communities hold dear. The talk will consider the vital role of knowledge democratisation, offering insights into how archives and personal histories can shape and enrich our collective understanding of both the past and the present.

There will be a drinks reception and an opportunity to purchase Clarke’s book, plus you can view both of Autograph's current exhibitions.

Read more on Autograph's website

About the Author

Cassia Clarke is an independent community archivist and artist educator whose work focuses on acquiring, critiquing, reconstructing, and sharing knowledge, with an emphasis on compassionate conservation and person-centred facilitation. Cassia prioritises learning as a form of freedom and enjoyment.

Ticketing policy

The ticket price for this event is £5. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If this ticket price is unaffordable for you please get in touch with Harriet at harriet@autograph-abp.co.uk about free ticketing options.

Autograph's events are very popular, and often sell out. To provide the best experience for everyone, tickets must be booked in advance for this event, and will not be available on the door . If you need to cancel your ticket for any reason, you can receive a refund up to 24 hours before the start of the event.

Your Visit to Autograph

Everyone is welcome at Autograph. Planning a visit? Have a look at our Visit Us page to find out more about getting to the gallery, accessibility and more.

Accessible venue: Autograph welcomes people with all types of disabilities.

Step free: Our building and entrance is step free. A wheelchair accessible lift goes to all floors.

Seating: This event will be seated.

Purchase the book: the book will be available to purchase with cash or card at this event.

Location: This event will take place in the studio, on the ground floor.

Refreshments: There will be a copmlimentary drinks reception after the talk.

Q&A : There will be an oportunity to ask the speakers questions at the end of the talk.

Supported by

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Autograph ABP Registered in England VAT no. 244105051 | Registered Charity no. 1127712

Images:1)Banner image: Courtesy Cassia Clarke
2) Autograph, London. Photograph by Kate Elliott.