22nd January 2008, 03:29 PM
Hi Oz
Working for BMW in Oxford - are you making Minis at Cowley? Marvellous.
Yes the archaeology of the modern world is quite an interesting subject. Sadly the debate in 'industrial archaeology' remains (as ever) polarised between those who are stuck in what Shane Gould referred to as a 'techno-centric paradigm' and those who develop extensive theoretical arguments whilst not knowing the difference between a hot-blast stove and their elbow.
Contemporary archaeology is interesting too (you may recall our involvement in the Transit Van project). However there is too little engagement between the primarily academic theoretical development of the subject, and the primarily commercial empirical development of the subject. As in other areas of archaeology (qv. Richard Bradley).
Copperopolis is certainly a very thorough survey by the RCHAMW. The OA work at Swansea is very interesting, as is the way in which the project has been managed through CgMs. I shall say no more, but PM me for a long-overdue chat...
Paul
PS. I too have been pondering the notion of leaving archaeology to give me more time to pursue archaeology! For the time being I have chosen to stay inside the tent, but good luck on the outside!
Edited for reasons of nonsensical sentences.
Working for BMW in Oxford - are you making Minis at Cowley? Marvellous.
Yes the archaeology of the modern world is quite an interesting subject. Sadly the debate in 'industrial archaeology' remains (as ever) polarised between those who are stuck in what Shane Gould referred to as a 'techno-centric paradigm' and those who develop extensive theoretical arguments whilst not knowing the difference between a hot-blast stove and their elbow.
Contemporary archaeology is interesting too (you may recall our involvement in the Transit Van project). However there is too little engagement between the primarily academic theoretical development of the subject, and the primarily commercial empirical development of the subject. As in other areas of archaeology (qv. Richard Bradley).
Copperopolis is certainly a very thorough survey by the RCHAMW. The OA work at Swansea is very interesting, as is the way in which the project has been managed through CgMs. I shall say no more, but PM me for a long-overdue chat...
Paul
PS. I too have been pondering the notion of leaving archaeology to give me more time to pursue archaeology! For the time being I have chosen to stay inside the tent, but good luck on the outside!
Edited for reasons of nonsensical sentences.