Learn how to preserve historic documents and photographs at free Ballina workshop
Benjamin van de Wetering of the Ox Binary will be hosting the workshop on Thursday, August 20 at 11am.
As part of Heritage Week celebrations in Mayo, members of the public are being invited to bring their treasured old photographs, letters, books and newspaper clippings to a free conservation workshop in Ballina this week.
The Clarke Museum of Irish History will welcome Benjamin van de Wetering of the Ox Bindery for a Paper Conservation Workshop on Thursday, August 20 at 11am.
Attendees are invited to bring one paper item, as Benjamin will offer his professional appraisal and advice on how best to preserve it.
The item could be an old family photograph, a handwritten letter, a historic book, or an old newspaper clipping.
Benjamin van de Wetering is a widely known and highly respected document conservationist. His previous conservation work has included historic documents held by the National Archives of Ireland, a 17th-century Irish Franciscan manuscript held by University College Dublin, and a 16th-century Magna Carta belonging to King's Inns.
The Clarke Museum of Irish History said the workshop is perfect for those interested in history, genealogy, local history, or simply in protecting the stories and photos that matter most.â
“This is a rare opportunity to learn directly from a renowned expert about how to care for the precious paper artefacts that tell the story of our families, our communities, and our shared history,” the museum said.
“Photographs, letters, books, newspapers, these fragile items carry memories that deserve to be protected for future generations.”
Spaces for the workshop are limited, and the museum is encouraging those interested to contact them and sign up ahead of the event.
The Clarke Museum of Irish History can be contacted on 096 73508. They are located on Pearse Street in Ballina and are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
Heritage Week in Mayo started on Saturday, August 15 and will run until Sunday, August 23rd, with over 80 events happening throughout the county.
From a Guided Shrine and Basilica Tour at Knock and Genealogy Consultations at Mayo County Library in Castlebar, to a Protecting Croagh Patrick Walk & Talk event in Murrisk, there is plenty on offer for people who want to connect with the cultural and historical heritage of Mayo.
