I recently took on a two week voluntary work scheme at Irish Architectural Archives in an effort to better understand the importance of archiving and gain first-hand experience about what archivists deal with on a day-to-day basis.
At the start of the work programme, Colum O’Riordan, CEO of Irish Architectural Archives, gave me an introduction to the whole building. I learned interesting historical facts about the building and the kinds of archival information stored on the different floors.
For most of my time there, I was tasked with scanning a series of architectural drawings from a very successful architect, the late Raymond McGrath. After scanning each set, I then had to export the files into low resolution JPEGs in order to prepare them for the catalogue on the Irish Architectural Archives website. I also did a little bit of measuring some architectural plans made for UCD by Andrzej Wejchert and then scanned those as well.
The team at the IAA were all lovely and welcoming, and I appreciate all of the help and bits of advice they gave me.
I want to give a special thanks to Colum O’Riordan for giving me the opportunity to gain this unique work experience in a very pleasant and fun environment.
I came away with a much clearer understanding about the role of the archivist and also received some beautiful books published by the IAA. One that I am already enjoying features the amazing architectural works of Richard and William Morrison that are found throughout Ireland.
Mounir Ali
