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Pennsylvania's (PA) processes and policies for landscape-scale cultural and visual resource conservation are lacking. In PA, like much of the United States (US), landscape change policies are prescriptive and concerned mainly with ecology, health, safety, and welfare issues. These factors combined relegate cultural and scenic aspects to ancillary matters, often leading to their degradation. Culturally focused fields, such as landscape architecture, archaeology, and planning call for rescaling cultural conservation planning to regional scale. Rescaling would treat cultural resources like other environmental and ecological resources, giving cultural resources equal weight in conservation evaluations. The United Kingdom (UK) has policies specifically for visual impact assessment required for development projects. This paper discusses scale issues and political processes within regional visual and cultural resource conservation in PA, US, compares nascent regional-scale planning efforts in PA and the UK, and proposes improvements to PA and, by extension, US cultural landscape conservation policy implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Church of England's historic buildings represent the single largest group of heritage sites in the UK, playing a key public-facing role in the church's 'cultural witness'. However, they are complex historic environments implicated in the recent focus on 'contested heritage' and imperial legacies. The wider heritage sector's answer to the adversarial nature of this debate has been to turn contested histories into dialogical opportunities; participatory and collaborative approaches to interpretation and curation have become an important feature of much recent secular heritage work. Yet, the CofE has not yet articulated or embraced the value of similar initiatives for its own collections, with guidance at the institutional level aimed primarily at conservation and protection. This paper initiates a discussion about how engagement with sensitive memories enhances the importance of CofE's cultural heritage. It offers a preliminary report of a research project led by the author titled 'Inclusive Interpretations of Christian Heritage', carried out between 2021 and 2022 at iconic churches in central London. After discussing the theoretical context, project rationale, and method, the paper discusses the connections which Christians from ethnic minority or immigrant backgrounds have to ecclesiastical spaces usually associated with national history. The perspectives of previously unrepresented groups can supplement expert assessments concerning a site's significance, revealing important areas in which the CofE's cultural assets hold meaning beyond national or aesthetic importance. The paper argues that widening community engagement represents a crucial task for accentuating the social and civic importance of the CofE's cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to evidence the perspectives of information professionals in the UK in relation to environmental sustainability and climate action to catalyse collaborative action. Design/methodology/approach: This study takes an interpretivist stance. Research into archive and record management literature was conducted to establish key themes on climate change within the information sector. These themes informed research questions included in a survey cascaded to UK archivists, conservators, records managers and cultural heritage professionals via national mailing lists. The results were then codified and analysed. The study had research ethics and data protection approval from University College London. Findings: Using professional ethics as a framework, this paper argues that climate action can protect records from the impact of climate change, ensuring future access. The information professionals surveyed were motivated by duties to preservation and access to mitigate the impact of the information sector on the environment. However, sector-specific climate action, such as introducing passive storage conditions or decreasing collection sizes, is limited by insufficient resources, organisational hierarchies and cultures, sector support and a perceived conflict with the duty to preservation. Originality/value: To date, there is a growing body of literature from other countries on archival practices and the natural environment. However, the UK in general and the records management sector in particular, have not yet fully engaged in the discussion. This study reviews these knowledge gaps for the UK information sector to appropriately respond to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating an exhibition is a multidisciplinary task which, besides the work of the authors of the scenario, copywriters and experts in the given topic, involves also the work of architects and landscape architects. Although the paper reflects on various completed exhibitions, the scenario and form of an exhibition cannot be separated. The paper focuses on spatial aspects of outdoor exhibitions from the perspective of an architect and landscape architect and documents them via various completed exhibitions. In terms of architecture they can be classified upon the aspects of form and content, wherein form covers the spatial, i.e. architectural, design of the exhibition and means, and content covers the quantity, complexity, style and chronology of the information communicated. The motivation for the paper is the need to identify the factors influencing the educational quality of exhibitions that the professionals designing the space and form of exhibitions may use in their practice. This covers predominantly those factors that relate to the designing of spaces where exhibitions take place based on the given scenarios, to which the viewers react rather subconsciously. The method used for the research is a spatial and content analysis of three exhibitions presenting cultural and natural heritage, specifically Hardangervidda National Park in Norway, Kongernes Jelling visitor centre in Denmark, and the National Museum of Rural Life at Wester Kittochside -- Scottish National Museum in Great Britain. Factors considered include: the connection to the site -- landscape context; authenticity; spatial scenario; and so-called warm-up and cool-down spaces that create atmosphere. A scenario, as in a film, connects the environment and content in a defined chronology. By this research we want to follow up on the trend in museums and exhibitions to present information through powerful narrative storytelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of authenticity has been challenged by several authors when applied to cultural heritage. However, little thinking has been devoted to the impact that the shifting concept of authenticity has on conservation practices of mobile heritage (e.g. vintage cars, historic trains, ships, aeroplanes, motorcycles). The topic is explored here through some case studies from Italy and the UK, and will be introduced by a brief summary of the concepts of authenticity and replicas. The paper will highlight a different understanding of the concept of authenticity by collectors and museums, leading to different approaches to conservation practices. The author underlines the difference between “originality” and “authenticity” and suggests that “authenticity” is tied to the perception and experience of cultural heritage, while “originality” is related to the fabric. Even though there is merit in all the different approaches to conservation, conversations on this subject are needed to ensure a streamlining of concepts and vocabulary applied by the different stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherent biases, barriers to participation and other risks of exclusion thwart the UK cultural heritage sector's capacity to benefit all citizens equally. However, growing evidence bases – from local audits to regional insight reports to national censuses – ostensibly make it possible to identify these biases and risks in increasingly fine-grained ways, and from there to design programmes to engage individuals who might not otherwise participate in the historic environment. In this paper, we assess the efficacy of 'audience mapping' for supporting the inclusion of specific, underrepresented audiences in UK cultural heritage. The audience mapping methodology we applied in the Towards a National Collection project Unpath'd Waters (UNPATH) offers a case study. Sixty datasets (including audience interviews, web analytics, observations, etc.) from 18 organisations catering to maritime heritage were compared to support the project in reaching three audiences: visually impaired people, cross-disciplinary researchers and non-coastal communities. We review our method and its outcomes, then position our learnings against other audience mappings conducted by the Museum of London Archaeology for commercial clients. Like all audience methodologies, mapping has problematic dimensions that can heighten rather than halt inequities. We consider how to adapt approaches (e.g. to surveying, consulting and 'profiling' people) to sensitively respond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we utilise data from biographical interviews to examine the values held by UK planners and whether and how they promote progressive planning ideals in their everyday work, often despite countertendencies in planning systems and organisational priorities. Our research concurs with the idea of a mildly progressive, yet conservative, positioning: in Hillier's (2002) terms, some planners are 'on a mission' but these missions vary from common-good orientations, a desire to do 'better' planning in a putative public interest, to more justice-based commitments to certain progressive 'causes' such as particular publics, cultural heritage, special places, or the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

King Arthur and Robin Hood, as two main folkloric figures, play an important role in British national identity especially in the nineteenth century. Throughout centuries, these mythical stories became well-known in the cultural heritage of other countries besides Britain. The lore and depictions of these two characters were not limited to the written and oral literature but came into existence through different mediums such as television, cinema, and computer games. Both the stories of King Arthur and Robin Hood have topical themes reflecting the political, social, and cultural issues and conflicts in societies and shape the future as timeless artefacts. In this sense, the major aim of this paper is to present and analyze the evolution of these two folk legends by using various historical and cultural sources to demonstrate the validity of the two characters across time, place, and medium. King Arthur and Robin Hood: The History and Folklore of England's Most Famous Folk Legends by Jesse Harasta (2009) is used as the basis of the evolution of the lore of the two folkloric characters. The stories and the characters, the subjects of various myths and legends throughout centuries, have also been adapted and used in a variety of works and products transmitting local history of the lore of King Arthur and Robin Hood into global folklore. The political, social, and cultural use, adaptation, and evolution of King Arthur and Robin Hood will be traced starting from their emergence in the medieval ages through the twentieth century when the lore of King Arthur and Robin Hood is transformed through story-telling and added to different structures by using different media. As will be exemplified per the aim of the study though some changes in the presentation of the folkloric characters are present; the major dichotomic human characteristics are preserved. The article follows the trajectory of evolution of two legends into myths, literature, and finally products of popular culture. The work questions whether the divisive line between what is local and authentic versus that which is globalized and thus international is as clear as is presupposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gypsy, Roma and Travellers (GRT) are a highly marginalised UK higher education minority with patchy targeted policy interventions. Drawing on qualitative interview data with education professionals working with GRT and with GRT young people, families and activists, the article compares attitudes, expectations, and desires around higher education. Firstly, the way in which university outreach can essentialise GRT people and the need to nuance these regulatory and normative practices is discussed. Tensions for GRT people imagining higher education and navigating complex identity transitions of ethnic invisibility are next explored alongside worries around 'coming out'. Finally, the article identifies the 'cruel optimism' in desiring education as a form of social mobility, particularly when institutions are not inclusive of GRT. From this, an urgent need is identified for contextually-sensitive GRT outreach for the academy's promises to be meaningfully inclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout human history, imperial powers colonized other countries and, subsequently, took much of their cultural property. Today, previously looted countries actively seek the return of their cultural property while former colonial powers face the decision of whether to return appropriated artifacts and remains. The United States and United Kingdom (U.K.) serve as two juxtaposing case studies, highlighting the willingness to and resistance against the repatriation of cultural property. The United States maintains a large and successful repatriation program. Under the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, federally funded museums must inventory and return cultural property with connections to Native American tribes. Conversely, the U.K. enacted two weak laws to govern the return of cultural property: the Human Tissue Act of 2004 and the Holocaust (Return of Cultural Objects) Act of 2009. Because neither U.K. Act mandates the repatriation of relevant cultural property, the Acts leave the decision of whether to repatriate to the museums benefiting from possessing the property. The British public largely abhors their government's strong stance of ownership over previously colonized countries' cultural property--notably the British claim of ownership over the Parthenon Marbles, Benin Bronzes, and Rosetta Stone. Furthermore, international organizations promote repatriation and reproach the U.K.'s resistance toward repatriation. With little to no international or domestic support regarding their retention of such property, the U.K. should reconsider a practical repatriation framework. This Comment recommends that the U.K. should look to the United States's successful framework and adopt a similar approach. Nevertheless, the Comment also addresses issues with the United States's framework of dealing with cultural property--principally, the lack of an exception for scientific studies--and presents the U.K. with strategies to mediate such issues. This Comment ultimately proposes legislation that would be amenable to the U.K., with the hope that the legislation balances the public's desire to repatriate cultural property with the British government's apparent desire to retain as much cultural property as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing cultural heritage is difficult, even when presented with many opportunities. The management of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) expands these challenges, as issues such as mapping, monitoring, access, presentation, and ownership can become more complex. This article reviews the existing literature on theoretical research and various case studies in order to establish common themes on the management of UCH. Initially, a keyword search was carried out in two of the most extensive scientific databases. Publications were reviewed according to several criteria. Various data have been obtained, such as the change in the number of publications over the years, which journals are more interested in the subject, which topics are at the forefront, which places are preferred for case studies, and who are more likely to conduct research. The results show that the studies on the management of UCH mainly focus on evaluating the current management examples and their issues, policy development, legislation, and documentation of the sites. The cultural heritage in the case studies varies from archaeological and architectural remains to shipwrecks and, sometimes, movable objects, despite the emphasis on in-situ built heritage in the search criteria. Meanwhile, the researchers are primarily from universities in Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. Additionally, many publications evaluate national policies and emphasize the importance of public participation, interpretation, and access. While still not much compared to land heritage, the number of studies has increased over the years. As the results of the review are discussed, suggestions are offered for possible future publications. • This is a literature review on the management of underwater cultural heritage. • The study presents the common trends, needs and contemporary approaches. • Methodology involves advanced searching of keywords to gather relevant publications. • Publications mainly focus on policy development, documentation, and evaluation of existing practices. • Case studies in these papers show diversity and the researchers are primarily from universities in Western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type of intensive training previously needed for crafts in the printing trade is now redundant, but as craft practices are added biannually to Heritage Craft's UK Red List of Endangered Crafts, there is a pressing need to preserve skills whilst also creating and developing new methodologies for practice in the UK to ensure these crafts survive as part of a thriving cultural heritage. The Dissecting Crafts project was centred around supporting book craft practitioners (typesetters and manufacturers, a letterpress printer and a book binder) to gain insight and extend their practice. Using qualitative research methods, an embodied knowledge methodology was developed as a system of self-evaluation. A freely available online tool kit was developed from project findings to enable other practitioners at all skill levels access to the programme. Sharing the research stages sensitively with case study practitioners evidenced their connectedness with their tools and with what they make, through a process of validation that was not anticipated in the project. Unintrusive methods of documenting in-progress activities, the practitionerresearchers' recordings of the craft participants' experiential dialogue proved valuable for them to be able to harness and transfer their knowledge. The methodology and tool kit were extended to other maker practices with feedback types ranging from practice development, reflection skills, and articulation to validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, the significance of living heritage during crises has gained prominence. While the aftermath of such crises often leads to lessons being forgotten, those in conflict zones persistently endure hardships. This study examines the pivotal role of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in bolstering resilience, particularly among diaspora communities, using Syrians in the UK as a case study. We delve into the primary ICH practices that they adopt, their assimilation techniques within the UK, the impact of wartime experiences on their reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and the consequent effects on host communities. Employing a diverse methodological framework that includes online public lectures, interviews, and direct observations, our results underscore the Syrian diaspora's earnest commitment to preserving its rich heritage. Beyond the poignant losses of invaluable art and treasures to conflict, a dominant narrative of hope and enduring human spirit emerges. As illuminated by our findings, Syrians' resilience extends beyond mere survival, reflecting a deep-seated pride in identity and an unyielding cultural spirit. This resilience not only marks the continuation of Syrian culture but also highlights its capacity to evolve, adapt, and enrich new environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article is to show the problematic issues of the BREEAM certification system, when assessing historic buildings from Poland and Great Britain. The research hypothesis is to analyse the disparities in the results of BREEAM for historic buildings, and to examine whether the criteria are adequate for a reliable assessment of the degree of sustainability in their adaptation. The first part of the article outlines the idea of sustainability and presents methods for assessing the degree of sustainability of buildings, and the main assumptions for BREEAM adaptation projects. Research methodology includes quantitative and qualitative research. The study involved statistical analysis. The scheme for adaptation projects was discussed. The second part of the study included a case study of four certified historic buildings from Poland and Great Britain. The results showed excessive generalisation and the favouring of individual categories of the BREEAM scheme. The authors pointed to disproportions and inconsistencies in the assessment of the degree of sustainability of objects, with regards to sustainability sectors. The possible exemplary solutions were presented, which include the modification of the BREEAM document, to assess in a more proper way the level of sustainable use of the architectural cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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As extant literature on social media has generally focused on investigating the psychological factors, which makes a person more susceptible to social media addiction, it has not yet investigated how social media addiction is portrayed by the media. However, the media framing of addictions can have considerable implications for consumers, as extant literature has shown them to use media texts as cultural resources through which they attempt to understand and justify their behaviour. The media can also have more indirect effects by, for instance, driving stigmatization or public policy initiatives. Thus, this study compares the media framing of social media addiction in the United Kingdom and the United States through longitudinal, mixed‐methods frame analysis. It then extends the extant literature by showing how social media addiction has been framed in both the United Kingdom and United States. It shows that concern regarding the issue has increased in both countries. In addition, the findings show that while previously social media addiction has been seen as an individual, psychological problem, concerns about the addictiveness and, thereby, about the lacking public policy measures have also increased in both countries. Implications for individual consumers, public policy and managers are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]