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- Tasks: Digitise and create metadata for 24,000 historic acetate images from Exeter's past.
- Company: South West Heritage Trust, dedicated to preserving and celebrating local heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive budget, opportunity to work on a meaningful heritage project.
- Why this job: Help save Exeter's history and make it accessible for future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience in digitisation and metadata creation preferred.
- Other info: Engage with the community through exhibitions and activities during the project.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The South West Heritage Trust is seeking to award a contract to digitise and create accompanying metadata for c. 24,000 historic acetate images created by the Exeter photographer Henry Wykes.
The South West Heritage Trust was founded in 2014 as an independent charity for Somerset and Devon. We are a regional organisation using museum, archive and landscape collections to support the delivery of heritage services to the diverse communities we serve. We care for 3 million museum objects and are also responsible for 10 million archives that tell the stories of Somerset and Devon.
Our vision is to celebrate and protect our rich heritage, helping everyone to enjoy it now and in the future. That vision guides us in three key objectives:
- Supporting People and Communities: We will support, empower and enrich people and communities.
- Protecting Our Heritage: We will preserve, protect and enhance our heritage, keeping it safe and accessible now and in future.
- Making an Impact: We will be enterprising, innovative and influential, and stand up for the heritage of Devon and Somerset.
The Isca Photographic Collection includes a particularly rich visual record of the destruction wrought by the Exeter Blitz, and the post-war reconstruction of the bomb-damaged city. It offers a special opportunity to tell the story of Exeter's ruination and renewal during the 2025 commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The collection consists of c.24,000 acetate negatives depicting the social and industrial life of Exeter and its citizens between 1920 and 1960, mostly taken by commercial photographer Henry Wykes. Alongside the negatives are contemporaneous fragile glass-plate negatives, photographic prints and associated business registers.
The acetate images are suffering from vinegar syndrome and the project is a race against time to digitise these unique photographs before the syndrome destroys the images. This project will save the rich information contained in these images for future generations, opening up this hidden collection for people to enjoy and to learn more about Britain's communities and industrial past.
The overarching project is to rescue the negatives by digitisation and cataloguing, followed by a series of engagement outputs celebrating both the salvage project and the work and career of Henry Wykes. This will include static, online and travelling exhibitions, volunteer involvement, and community activities.
The project will run from October 2024 to April 2026, with a Project Officer in place to drive the activities between April 2025 and April 2026.
The maximum budget available for this work is £72,000 + VAT. Payment will be released once the mirrored-hard drives have been returned and the images have been checked by staff from the South West Heritage Trust.
For full details of the contract and tender process please download the brief below. We welcome potential suppliers wishing to view the extent and condition of the collection before submitting their tender. Visits can be arranged and tenders for consideration should be directed to the Project Officer Kitty Vega at Kitty.vega@swheritage.org.uk.
The ISCA Photographic Collection – Digitisation Contract employer: South West Heritage Trust
Contact Detail:
South West Heritage Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land The ISCA Photographic Collection – Digitisation Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the South West Heritage Trust and their mission. Understanding their vision will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in preserving and celebrating heritage.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it might just get your name on their radar.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have experience with digitisation or metadata creation, prepare a portfolio or examples of your work. This will demonstrate your capabilities and passion for the project.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace The ISCA Photographic Collection – Digitisation Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Project: Before you start writing your application, take some time to really understand the Isca Photographic Collection and its significance. This will help us see your genuine interest and how you can contribute to preserving Exeter's history.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how your background aligns with the digitisation and cataloguing of the collection, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for heritage shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re following the correct process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Heritage Trust
✨Know Your History
Familiarise yourself with the Isca Photographic Collection and its significance. Understanding the context of the images, especially regarding the Exeter Blitz and post-war reconstruction, will show your genuine interest in the project.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with digitisation and metadata creation. Prepare specific examples of past projects where you've successfully handled similar tasks, highlighting any innovative approaches you took.
✨Engagement Ideas
Think about how you can contribute to community engagement activities related to the project. Bring ideas for exhibitions or volunteer involvement that could enhance the visibility of the collection and its stories.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project timeline, budget, and the role of the Project Officer. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your skills and interests.
