World Heritage Conference

Looking Back, Moving Forward 

A groundbreaking conference, jointly organised by the R&A World Golf Museum and the British Golf Collectors’ Society (BGCS), was held in St Andrews on 11 and 12 March.  Entitled: Looking Back, Moving Forward – Making the Most of your Golf Club’s Heritage, the conference was hailed as a great success, attracting 90 delegates and 18 speakers and subject hosts from all over the British Isles.

The conference brought together delegates from Clubs experienced in managing their heritage and collections, to others who are at the beginning of that journey.  Presenters covered topics ranging from collecting methods and the importance of having a collections policy to display techniques, using real-life case studies to demonstrate a variety of approaches and the theories behind them – some traditional and others using awe-inspiring technology to inform and entertain.

David Powell, Archive Manager with DC Thomson covered the fundamentals of cataloguing collections.  Less glamorous but essential to know, one session covered the subject of things that can go wrong, with Nevin McGhee, Archivist at Glasgow Golf Club, talking about the unfortunate and well-documented fire at the club, its consequences and the impressive salvage effort.  Disaster Recovery and Conservation – presented by Laurie Rae (R&A Head of Museum & Heritage), offered a wealth of practical advice on treating collections that have suffered damage through various means, including artwork, metals, wood, books, archive material, textiles and photographs.

Theft, internal and external, was also covered, with good advice on what to do in the event it happens and steps to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Caroline Wallard, Director of Philanthropy at The R&A, discussed funding, which inspired a recommendation from the floor that clubs establish an endowment fund specifically to support their heritage activities.

Mike Morrison talked informatively about research methods in the digital age, particularly using online resources to access information.

The Chairman of the Museum Board, Jim McArthur, delivered an impassioned summary at the end of the conference, saying: Our pipe dream would be for golf club heritage to achieve the same importance as and fully complement the playing of a golf course at a golf club, resulting in an enhanced experience for members, their guests and visitors alike.

Importantly, the conference afforded the opportunity for delegates to ask questions, network, and socialise.  At the end of day one, a drinks reception in the R&A World Golf Museum was followed by tours of the Clubhouse and dinner, with the main Dining Room, the North Room, and the newly named West Room (former Accounts Office) all being used to accommodate the large gathering.

The Captain, Ian Pattinson, and the Captain of the British Golf Collectors Society, Nigel Notley, welcomed the delegates and speakers in the Big Room before dinner, adding to the sense of occasion.

Given the interest in and success of the conference, thoughts are now turning to the future and a potential follow-up. A shared love of golf club history and an appetite for learning and sharing information were clearly demonstrated; whatever happens, the seeds of something special have been sown.

Angela Howe

Museum & Heritage Director – The R&A

‘Heritage is anything from the past that you value and want to pass on to future generations’.

Caroline Wallard, Director of Philanthropy – The R&A