10 February 2026
- 13:00 to 16:30
Workshop
Does the ‘perfect parchment’ exist? Sensing the value of tangible heritage
Register your interest in our hands-on workshop to explore the sensory and physical qualities of historical materials.
- Date
- 10 February 2026
- Location
- The National Archives, Kew
Important information
Please be aware this workshop will involve direct interaction with parchment, which is animal skin.
We will delve into the world of parchment and archives through practical activities, expert-led discussions, and investigations of records. Together, we’ll question how material qualities, such as texture, durability, and craftsmanship influence how we perceive meaning, worth, and authenticity in the objects we preserve.
Hosted by The National Archives’ Collection Care Department in collaboration with Madison Bennett, a PhD researcher from the University of Cambridge, this workshop will bring together practitioners and historians, with interested members of the public and craft enthusiasts.
In the Collection Care studio participants will get the chance to gain an understanding of how we use physical, visual, and analytical techniques to assess parchment and how this informs interaction with the objects. We will then discuss the shifting value of historical materials, from medieval manuscripts to modern conservation ethics. We will reflect on how materiality, scarcity, and significance intersect in the choices we make about what (and how) to preserve.
Programme (subject to change)
13:00 to 14:30: Practical workshop in Collection Care Department: What is parchment and how is it made? Exploring different species and qualities of parchment
14:30 to 15:00: Coffee break
15:00 to 16:30: Discussion: Perceptions and value of parchment, records display
How to apply
This workshop is open to anyone over 18 years old. No formal art or archive background or experience is required. Spaces are limited.
Register your interest on Eventbrite
You will be asked to answer the following question:
'Please can you tell us why you are interested in taking part in the ‘perfect parchment’ workshop at The National Archives? We are particularly keen to hear from those who may be able to apply the experience in their own work. (max 300 words)'
Please note registering for this event enters you into the application process only. You will receive a ticket confirmation via Eventbrite, but this does not guarantee your place in the workshop. Successful applicants will be selected and contacted by Thursday 29 January separately.
Contact
If you have any questions about the workshop, the application process, or any accessibility needs, please get in touch
Event details
Dates for this event
Plan your visit
What is The National Archives?
The National Archives is the official archive of the UK government, and England and Wales. We are the guardians of over 1,000 years of iconic national documents.
Everyone is welcome to visit our headquarters in Kew. We put on exhibitions, events and displays and offer reading rooms giving access to our collections there.
Getting here
The National Archives is located by the River Thames in Kew, 30 minutes from Central London. We offer advice on travelling to us by car, bike, train or bus.
Children and families
We provide a warm welcome to visitors of all ages, including children and family groups.
- Free activity sheets (for ages 1+) are available from the Time Travel Club trolley in our entrance hall
- Our café is child-friendly and there are picnic benches outside
- Prams and buggies are welcome, and we have a buggy park
- Baby changing facilities are located by our entrance hall, at the top of the main stairs, and in the library
- Emergency supplies of nappies and wipes are available
Eat and drink
We have a café and coffee bar provided by Maids of Honour, a historic local tea room and bakery. It has spacious indoor and outside seating and a soft play area.
On the menu is a variety of high-quality lunchtime meals, sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements are all catered to.
Speakers
Series
Research Routes: Emotions, senses and feelings in the archives
Explore our collections in new and innovative ways with academics, creatives and practitioners in this series of talks and workshops.