Working Down Below

The Company's "Time Team" of Ian Dussek and David Marshall has been busy in the Cutlers Hall cellars, recording the Paviors' documents and artefacts.  As recorded, the Company ceased to operate for over 40 years in the 19^th century and the old papers and items were lodged at Guildhall, where they remain.  After 1889, records were again kept and most, but not all, survive.  Lack of awareness of their value has resulted in much being lost or damaged by damp, rot and neglect.

The first task has been to identify and log what exists - upwards of 500 items.  These have been recorded and will be stored in archival boxes.  Consultations are taking place with other City archivists.  Where necessary, repairs will be carried out.  In this way, the records will he preserved for future generations of Paviors.  At the request of Master John Mills, a complete list of Masters and Wardens since 1889 has been established and work is going on to identify the names of officers from the earliest times to 1844.  Another project, which will be displayed soon, will be, the provision of information plaques relating to Company silver used at livery dinners.

There is much to he done, but we already have offers of further help from members of the livery.  Meanwhile, we appeal to readers who have long associations with the Company to search out records, photographs and artefacts to add to the archive.

Ian Dussek  & David Marshall

Amberley Museum Renovation

The Paviors Museum of Roads and Roadmaking was established as an exhibition at the Amberley Working Museum in 1995.  It tells the story of road construction from the earliest times up to the present day.  The exhibition is now in need of renewal and refurbishment in a modern context.  The aim of the renovation is to create a vibrant, engaging and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.

The exhibition is currently congested by large objects.  It is proposed to move these to another building so that key exhibits can be rearranged in a more sympathetic and visitor friendly way.  Opportunity will be taken to seal the floor to reduce dust and provide directional pathways to view the new display.

Modern interactive displays and audio-visual areas will be introduced to enhance traditional object based displays.  Interactive elements will include hands-on activities such as bridge building and computer generated displays, which will give the visitor an opportunity to learn more about local highway construction.  There will be opportunity to display new products and examples of latest technology and research.

A key element in the promotion of the refurbished exhibition will be the formation of an active volunteer group based on the model used elsewhere in the Amberley Museum.  Volunteers, with experience and a continued interest in highway design, construction and maintenance, will act as stewards at special events, group visits and school parties.

The recruitment of the volunteer group including an honorary curator is in hand.  It is likely that the group will come from those living locally who have worked on West Sussex highways or who have road construction experience.  There may be Paviors who live near enough to contribute in this way.  The initial commitment would be to man the exhibition on special event days, which occur two or three weekends in the year.

The Amberley Museum Trustees are seeking the means for providing the additional building for large exhibits.  The Paviors Amberley Liaison Committee is working with the Amberley Museum curator, Claire Seymour, on the redesign of the exhibition and will be making approaches to industry for the sponsorship of the renovation and new exhibits.

Robin Wilson