(Lack Of) Care Of Ancient Manuscripts On History Programmes

[gl556tr]

I am enthralled by the wonderful programmes that BBC TV often serve up. (How I wish I had just a fraction of that in my school curriculum.) But I am aghast at how often the programme presenter –of whom one expects better-- is in a renowned establishment housing historic manuscripts and firstly, may be handling the rare pages with no gloves; secondly, even if he does, often talks whilst standing over these pages, fine-spraying aforesaid. Such actions can only be detrimental to the existence of such written witnesses of our distant and interesting past.

[bookbinder]

One assumes that the keepers of the manuscripts have given their blessing to such behaviour. They must have given the presenter advice on how to handle the documents before filming began?

[Buenchico]

Sorry, Gl556tr, but the current thinking is that gloves should NOT be worn when handling historic documents.

From the British Library (where they ought to know about such things!):
http://www.bl.uk/aboutus/stratpolprog/collectioncare/publications/videos/whitegloves.pdf

[Hypognosis]

@gl556tr

Before they started adding china clay to paper, it was very robust and seriously old documents are probably able to cope without the need for gloves. Some mid-Victorian books are practically turning to dust, on the shelves, according to one documentary I saw. They're trying to digitise them before they're all gone.

[Mosaic]

I'm afraid 'luvvies' are notoriously inconsiderate of collection objects, when presenting from museums or archives. To them they are props - they themselves are at the centre of attention. And often institutions are too in awe to haul them back.

[VHG]

You mean like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_wl6Sm-c0w

[VHG]

Or this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi4IkIIMfhw

[Hypognosis]

@VHG

Looks like Ben Miller. Who's he taking the mick out of? (I can't watch telly and vid clips at the same time, sorry).

[VHG]

It is Ben Miller from the Armstrong and Miller show.

[zebo]

We were surprised in an NT property where documents were handled without gloves but we were told they weren't necessary and can cause more harm.