A project launched by the UK Screen Heritage Network plans to create the first ever online database of moving image objects in UK collections. The new scheme is the network's first collaborative project, and aims to build an online database to increase awareness, understanding, enjoyment and access to artefacts relating to moving image and screen media.
The picture shows 'Hand-painted magic lantern slide (19th century). National Media Museum Collection'.
It is led by the National Media Museum, the British Universities Film and Video Council and the Screen Archive South East.
Not only will examples of moving image and media be included in the database, but the project also plans to create access to other objects that contribute to the actual construction of film, TV and other screen-based media.
Researchers will be searching for behind the scenes objects relating to on-screen heritage such as cameras, scripts, lighting equipment and memorabilia - all of which will feature in the database.
The database will also span 'time-related media', ranging from Victorian magic lantern slide shows to modern-day technologies such as computer games and handheld consoles.
One part of the catalogue will be devoted to filming equipment such as a 1939 Kalee No. 12 35mm projector, which belongs to the Projected Picture Trust and currently resides in a collection of the British Universities Film and Video Council.
A large part of the process of collating and recording the national database of artefacts is identifying those institutions and collections in the UK which house them.
On September 24 2007 an online survey was launched to identify and collate artefacts. The survey will run until November 30 2007 and is open to any UK collection currently accessible to the public or researchers.
In addition to the online survey the project will be contacting museums and archives across the UK in the hope that it will uncover hidden treasures in collections.
The project is funded with the aid of an MLA (Museums, Libraries and Archives Council) Renaissance programme grant. www.24hourmuseum.org.uk
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