Our aims as the Written Heritage Science Lab
We are committed to preserving written heritage through scientific analysis and care.
The Written Heritage Science Lab (WHSL) is dedicated to the scientific study, care, and use of written heritage. Our work focuses on the material nature of records. We seek to understand how they were made, how they change over time, and how they can be preserved and accessed safely for future generations.
We study a wide range of written heritage materials, including:
- paper
- parchment
- photograph
- inks and pigments
- book and archival bindings
These materials are the physical carriers of recorded knowledge and cultural expression. They encompass both textual and visual information.
WHSL represents a long-term commitment by The National Archives to integrating heritage science, conservation research, archival practice, and public access. Through this work, we aim to support informed decision-making and foster collaboration across the archive, library, and wider heritage sectors.
Our core aims are to:
- deepen understanding of materials to reveal how written heritage objects were made, used, and experienced over time.
- advance conservation and preservation strategies through scientific research and evidence-based insight.
- support safer, more meaningful access to archival and library collections.
Our work underpins inclusive access, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the responsible stewardship of written heritage.