Hidden Voices: Excavations at Breary Banks and Malton

Posted on 16 May 2016

The University of York’s Department of Archaeology invites the public to their end-of-year exhibition.

16-05-2015_HiddenVoicesExhibition

Our undergraduate-curated show will allow you to think beyond the trowel’s edge - into the wider world of archaeology.

An open exhibition will take place on the 9th of June in King’s Manor, K/G60, from 4pm to 6pm, featuring the work of first-year students and their experiences on the university’s two fieldschools at the archaeological sites of Breary Banks and Malton.

This event is a culmination of their studies in the 2015-16 academic year, taking the knowledge that they have learnt in the classroom and applying it to an actual research excavation. As Jon Finch, Reader in Archaeology at the University of York and head of excavations at Breary Banks, explains:

“Students have a unique opportunity to participate in the research project, gaining experience as excavators and interpreters. They acquire skills which will help them in a wide range of contexts and experiences. It’s very rewarding to see students fulfil their potential, often in unexpected ways.”

The exhibition will feature 16 digital panels, all put together by the students themselves. Each digital panel will relate to their experiences on site, allowing the students to think beyond their work in the field and to its wider implications in the world at large. Panels include a Big Brother take on excavation, a University of York Time Team, children’s panels, a motion video, and more! In addition to the panels, an audio-visual guide to Breary Banks will be featured, created by the BA in Archaeology and Heritage cohort. Jessica Chatburn, one of the Heritage students, puts it this way:

“Heritage is so much more than walking around museums. This course has taught me how fast-moving and creative the Heritage sector can be. I’ve worked with social media, audio editing, and museum curators! It has been hard work, but the experience has been rewarding and insightful. The staff in the department and IT services have been invaluable members of the project. I would do it all over again!”

In addition to producing the audio-visual guide, the Heritage students have been documenting their work on their blog, Hidden Dale, available here: https://hiddendale.wordpress.com/

Come along and discover the Hidden Voices from Breary Banks and Malton, at King’s Manor, York, on Thursday 9th of June from 4pm to 6pm. All welcome!