Suffrage and Smoke: The UK Parliamentary Archives’ Challenges in Caring for Collections Housed in the Palace of Westminster

Managing collections within high-risk, heritage-designated buildings like the Palace of Westminster presents unique challenges for conservation and archival practices. This study highlights the complexities faced by the UK Parliamentary Archives during two significant projects: a temporary exhibition in UNESCO-listed Westminster Hall and legislatively mandated upgrades to storage spaces in Victoria Tower. The research reveals the necessity for tailored emergency planning, collaborative efforts between heritage teams and service departments, and the impact of building environments on collections. These projects underscore the delicate balance required when working within operational, ceremonial, and conservationally sensitive spaces, offering insights into the intersection of built heritage and collection management.

Smith, M., & Takayanagi, M. (2020). Suffrage and Smoke: The UK Parliamentary Archives’ Challenges in Caring for Collections Housed in the Palace of Westminster. Studies in Conservation, 65(sup1). https://doi.org/10.1080/00393630.2020.1780373