Collaborative Workshop on Victorian ceramic analysis and research

Victorian artefact specialists are invited to take part in a collaborative workshop on historic ceramics featuring Alasdair Brooks. The workshop will include a talk by Alasdair on his recent research and plans for an updated version of his 2005 An archaeological guide to British ceramics in Australia, as well as two collaborative round table sessions focused on future directions for Victorian ceramic analysis and research. Participants will be provided with discussion points prior to the seminar and are kindly encouraged to share experiences, knowledge and observations from their own work.

Lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. Socialising will continue afterwards at Steam Jacket Brewing, Reservoir, at participants' cost.

Those with a more general interest are encouraged to register for Alasdair's upcoming online webinar hosted by ASHA later this year, as the content of the collaborative seminar will be aimed at artefact specialists.

This event is supported by the Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology.

Alasdair Brooks - Short Bio

Alasdair Brooks has over 30 years’ international experience in the heritage sector and holds a DPhil in archaeology from the University of York. He has worked in a range of heritage management, museum, and academic roles in his native UK, the USA, Australia, South America, the Persian Gulf, and Egypt. He is currently the Chief Executive of Re-Form Heritage, the heritage development trust for Stoke-on-Trent. The charity also owns and operates Middleport Pottery, the last continuously operating 19th-century ceramics factory in the traditional home of the British ceramics industry.

Alasdair’s main research interest is 19th-century British ceramics in international context, with a core interest in transfer-printed ceramics. He has undertaken research on the consumption of, decorative techniques on, and international trade in Staffordshire ceramics in the UK, USA, Australia, Venezuela, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the United States, and Chile.

Alasdair is the immediate past president of the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology, and since 2024 has been joint editor of Historical Archaeology, the journal of the Society for Historical Archaeology. He previously served on the SHA’s Board of Directors from 2008-2019, and received the latter organisation’s Carol V. Ruppé Distinguished Service Award in 2018.

Event Information

Date: Friday 4 October 2024
Time: 12:30pm - 4:30pm (AEST)
Location: Social Sciences Building SS 132, La Trobe University, Bundoora. For the location of the room, click the following link: https://studentvip.com.au/la-trobe/melbourne/maps/114865.
Cost: Free
Please bring: Your considered thoughts on the discussion points provided the week before the seminar, any notetaking needs. Lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.
Registration: Places are limited so please register to secure your spot. Registration closes by Monday 30 September 2024. If you miss out on a ticket please contact the organisers directly (bronwyn_woff@outlook.com.au) to be put on the waiting list.

Getting there

La Trobe University is located in Bundoora, in Melbourne's northern suburbs. The campus is serviced by the No. 86 tram, busses and has car parking on site. For more information please see: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/transport-central.