British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Protecting Cultural Heritage
Monday, 21 April 2008
7.00 – 8.30pm
followed by a drinks reception
The British Academy, 10 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1
The cultural heritage of the world is presently under threat as never before, manifested by a number of high profile disasters. These include the looting of the Iraq Museum in 2003, the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in 2001, and the burning of the National Library in Sarajevo in 1992. Other matters of great concern are the growth in the illicit trade and the threat posed by development on an unprecedented scale, particularly in the Far East. The solutions to these problems are often far from clear, as witnessed by the controversy surrounding the Stonehenge road tunnel. Threats to the cultural heritage of the world are of particular concern to the British Academy and have a great impact on its work.
This discussion brings together archaeologists to debate different aspects of cultural heritage. The speakers will review the situation in different parts of the world and highlight some of the common problems, such as the threats from military conflict, development, globalisation, climate change, and illegal excavation. Damage caused by the illicit trade will also be considered. The discussion will tease out questions such as what is cultural heritage, what are the principal dangers threatening it, and what can be done to protect it. It is hoped that the discussion will end with some recommendations that will form a basis for publicising dangers to cultural heritage and helping to protect it.
Welcome and introduction
Dr John Curtis, FBA, Keeper of the Department of the Middle East, the British Museum
Chair
Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe, FBA, Emeritus Professor of European Archaeology, University of Oxford
Speakers
Professor Lord Renfrew, FBA, formerly Disney Professor of Archaeology and Director of the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge
Professor Clive Gamble, FBA, Royal Holloway College, University of London
Professor Norman Hammond, FBA, Boston University
Professor Anthony Harding, FBA, University of Exeter
Please note our registration and seating policy:
- The rooms for this event will be open from 6.30pm onwards - please do not arrive at the Academy before this time.
- This event is free of charge, there is no advance registration, and no tickets will be issued for this event.
- Seats will be allocated on a strict first come, first served basis
- The first 100 audience members arriving at the Academy will be offered a seat in our Lecture Room where this event will take place. The next 50 people to arrive will be offered a seat in our Overflow Room which has a video and audio link to the Lecture Room.