Hollie-Sophia Stoner, a student of Curating, Collections and Heritage MA in the School of Humanities and Social Science, writes about her placement at the Design Archives as part of the course.
During my recent work placement at the University of Brighton Design Archives, I had the privilege of engaging with one of the most significant collections of twentieth-century British design. The Design Archives preserve and showcase the legacy of designers while also opening important conversations about how we care for our cultural heritage in a changing world. For me, this placement was particularly exciting because it offered a chance to explore sustainability within archival practice – especially in relation to conservation.
When we think of archives, the first thought is often rows of carefully boxed materials stored under tightly controlled conditions. While these measures are essential for safeguarding fragile documents, photographs, and objects, they also raise questions about resource usage. Climate control systems, packaging materials, and conservation treatments can all have environmental costs. A growing number of institutions, including the University of Brighton Design Archives, are re-examining their approaches with sustainability in mind.
One of the more interesting aspects of my placement was seeing how sustainability and preventative conservation often go hand in hand. Good preventative measures such as careful handling, stable storage environments, and thoughtful packaging, can reduce the need for more intensive (and often more resource-heavy) treatments later on. By focusing on slowing deterioration rather than constantly intervening, archives can not only preserve collections more effectively but also minimise their environmental footprint.
I was also fascinated by the choices involved in selecting conservation materials. Many traditional supplies, such as certain plastics, can be problematic from an environmental and long-term preservation perspective. At the Design Archives, I observed how conservators are increasingly turning towards more sustainable alternatives – acid-free papers, recycled storage boxes, and materials that are both safe for objects and less harmful to the planet. These decisions might seem small, but across a large collection, they add up to a meaningful impact.
During my placement, I had the opportunity to repackage old Design Council materials using modern, sustainable storage methods – including acid-free paper, archival folders, and polyester sleeves. Figures 1-3 show the original packaging method, the process of sorting photographs, and the final re-housed result. This practical experience highlighted how simple, thoughtful changes can significantly improve both preservation outcomes and environmental responsibility.
Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
This placement has left me with a deeper appreciation for the intricate balance involved in archival conservation: between preservation and access, tradition and innovation, and increasingly, between care for collections and care for the environment. As someone interested in pursuing this field further, I am inspired by the potential for archives to model sustainable practices that protect our cultural heritage without compromising the future.
The University of Brighton Design Archives offer not just an insight into the history of British design, but also a glimpse of how cultural institutions can adapt to meet the environmental challenges of the present. It is a reminder that conservation is not only about preserving the past – it is also about thinking responsibly about the future.
