Industrial Folkways (IF) is an independent research project, with community archaeology and public history components, that explores popular traditions in the past. In particular, IF examines traditions and beliefs, especially relating to the supernatural. Information on the project background (and development from a now-concluded pilot project), and leader (on whose research project work draws), is provided in this post.

Project research and fieldwork focus on the Industrial Revolution (for the purposes of the project, the late 1700s – 1850s), to consider the effects of intensified urbanisation and manufacturing upon folk beliefs and ritual practices. In order to examine change and continuity, it will also look at sites and material from the Middle Ages, to the modern era (1950s).

It examines material evidence (primarily archaeological data and other archived collections), alongside other historical sources. This includes (but is not restricted to) texts (such as historical treatise and antiquarian studies; ballads and literature; newspaper and court reports; and letters, diaries, memoirs and autobiographies); Images (such as paintings, drawings and other illustrations; maps, prospects and plans; and photos); and a range of other evidence (such as oral histories; and place names); building on previous and ongoing work (such as landscape and folklore surveys).

IF is based in, and centred on, the modern city (and former borough and market town) of Derby – which lays claim to the first factory in the world; and the surrounding county of Derbyshire – claimed as the cradle of modern industry. The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site provides both geographical and historical focus for this work – the Project being primarily interested in industrial and urban communities; and transitions from rural to urban locations.

IF investigates domestic and community environments, examining homes; community buildings and spaces; industrial sites; and historical landscapes – with especial interest in the significance of former sites, monuments, buildings and artefacts (particularly those with ritual significance).

While applying rigorous methodologies informed by more than 30 years of undergraduate, post-graduate and post-doctoral, archaeological and historical studies, IF takes a creative approach to exploring local and regional heritage, employing skills and decades of experience obtained through artistic and artisan practice.

Ways in which the public, and local organisations and businesses, might take part in the project will be posted soon. In the meantime, prospective project partners (such as local businesses, organisations, and groups), and public participants, can register interest through the contact form.