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Richard
I qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 1972, but after working in practice for many years, decided to change direction. In 1996 I decided to study archaeology at Manchester University.
I soon realised, however, that it was the surveying side that really appealed. I have carried out geophysical, topographical and photographic surveys and was chief surveyor for the North Kharga Oasis Survey (NKOS), an independent project based on the Kharga Oasis in Egypt's Western Desert. This project is ongoing, but my role has ended, as the overall topographical survey and kite aerial photography work has been completed.
I have now retired, but still carry out the odd survey job for friends in the archaeology world.
I co-authored a paper with Philip Allsworth-Jones, of Sheffield University, on "Pre-Columbian Jamaica: The Sites In The Landscape" which was presented to the International Association of Caribbean Archaeology in 2011. This paper has finally been published. To view this as a PDF file click here.
As well as photography, my other interests include bird watching and walking (I am an ex Mountain Rescue team member and Search Dog handler - that's me with Search Dog Pepper and the Novice Shield that she won when she still less than a year old!).
Angela and I met while we were both members of Buxton Mountain Rescue Team. I used to climb when I was younger, but never really had enough
talent so gave it up in favour of mountain walking. I also greatly enjoy canoeing - that's with a proper open (or Canadian) canoe. I did
qualify as an instructor, but this lapsed while I was at university.
From 2013 to the middle of 2016, we photographically recorded the "Through the Roof" project at the National Trust's Attingham House near Shrewsbury. This was a £1.4 million project to erect a weather-proof roof over the early 1800s cast iron and glass roof constructed by John Nash over the picture gallery. When that work was completed, Attingham still found us projects to keep the cameras busy. We recorded the stables inside and out prior to major works there and also the Christmas decorations throughout the Mansion in 2013, 14 & 15. Originally, our work was to last for just two years, but we have finally finished after nearly 4 very enjoyable years. Go to our Heritage page for images and a timelapse movie from that project.
Archaeology has filled the gap left after finishing at Attingham and we've been involved in a number of projects during 2016 & 17. 2018 kicked off with us volunteering for the South West Peak Landscape Partnership, carrying out Barns, Buildings & Small Heritage Assets surveys, which occupied us part-time for the next three years. We now volunteer with the Peak Park Cultural Heritage Team (CHT), carrying out diverse roles such as monitoring Scheduled Monuments and listed buildings, carrying out repairs to scheduled sites, fixed-point photography of important monuments and any other work requested by the CHT. There are also other projects in the pipeline. |
