Scoping Study for Bristol's Board of Health Building Plans Archive (360G-Wellcome-203021_Z_16_Z)

Building development in Bristol from the mid-nineteenth century onwards was underpinned by concern for the health of its citizens. In an effort to stem outbreaks of cholera, all plans for new buildings were submitted to the City Engineer in order to satisfy new legislation for the provision of clean water and sewerage. The plans provide a detailed account of Bristol’s rapid expansion, and as a historic collection they are unique; no other comparable British city has such a full set of architectural building plans. However, this extraordinary record series, which was never originally conceived as an archival collection to be kept in perpetuity, has become extremely fragile and is now in danger of being lost. The funding will enable Bristol Record Office to commission an external consultant archivist and archive paper conservator to produce a scoping report that examines the potential of the collection for future research, and makes recommendations as to how best the plans can be preserved and continue to be made accessible through conservation and digitisation work. The report represents the first stage in the development of a long term programme of work that will ensure the plans' future survival.