The Baskerville Project

ABOUT

Ben Waddington is a Birmingham-based historian with an especial interest in Architecture, Design and Industrial History.

Since 2005, he has been researching and conducting guided tours of the city. These often take a historical perspective but also engage in contemporary subjects such as planning, visual design and typography. He believes in the power that a direct, site based experience can have over a lecture or written article. One recurring theme in his work is that of City Identity and how Birmingham has a rich history of industry and innovation, which he feels is rarely championed. Much of his work is informed by a drive to re-educate people about the value of the city’s past.

In recent years, he has worked as a historical consultant for Type, Birmingham Opera Company, Birmingham Libraries and two documentary films about Birmingham.

Between 1999 and 2000, he worked for the Public Art Commissions Agency, then for two years worked as a Paper Conservator for the Matthew Boulton and James Watt Archives. He is currently curating an exhibition marking the quatercentenary of John Milton’s birth for Birmingham Libraries.

WORK PROFILE

Much of my work has its origins in simply being enthusiastic about a subject and wanting others to share my appreciation. My self appointed position as a tour guide has led to many unexpected projects and collaborations.

I have a background in visual arts and often liken the role of the artist to that of the historian: both require a keen observation of the world, and analysis and imagination in equal measure.