Abstract
Asbestos in heritage objects not only poses challenges in terms of identification and safety measures but also in conservation ethics since the removal of asbestos is not a self-evident matter. Worldwide, policies are implemented to remove asbestos. However, what happens with the past, knowledge and memory connected to asbestos and the history of the objects themselves? This ties in with the heritage values of an object and asbestos applications. The question remains whether the asbestos component is an integral part of an object, and if – in that case – the removal of asbestos affects the heritage values of this object. Valuing asbestos objects requires careful consideration. Given the history behind the production and consumption of asbestos and the high lethality of these dangerous minerals, asbestos objects can be considered as difficult heritage. This is heritage that is associated with a troubling or unwanted past, evoking deep emotions, particularly for former labourers and individuals affected by asbestos-related diseases. It implies that the valuation of asbestos heritage is not a self-evident matter and should take place in a multi-voiced and participatory process, giving a voice to all people involved. In this study, I use asbestos heritage objects as a case to explore how difficult heritage can be valuated inclusively. The focus lies on the methodology I have developed and which exists of a combination of interviews, value-based heritage assessments with stakeholders, focus groups, controversy mapping, and actor-network theory. In addition, I further discuss asbestos heritage as difficult heritage.
Presenters
Blancquaert DorisPhD Student, Faculty of Design Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen (nl), Belgium Hélène Verreyke
Associate Professor Museum Studies, Faculty of Design Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen (nl), Belgium
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
DIFFICULT HERITAGE, VALUE-BASED HERITAGE ASSESSMENT, STAKEHOLDERS
