FollowSubmission deadline: 31 August 2024
Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of two seminal
works in vernacular architectural studies – Eric Mercer’s English Vernacular
Houses and Peter Smith’s Houses of the Welsh Countryside which were both
published in 1975. The first day of the conference will examine the context for
the writing and publication of these two volumes, and the impact and legacy of
their work. The second day will broaden out the discussion to include other
scholars of the period, particularly those who were working beyond the
academic or institutional mainstream, and move onto consider the
implications of their research for the future of the study of vernacular
architecture.
We welcome papers looking at the impact and legacy of the work of Mercer
and Smith and/or the work of other, perhaps less well-known, scholars of the
period. This might examine the context to their work, themes or ideas
emerging from it or assess their impact and legacy on the study of vernacular
architecture. Papers considering other geographical areas, beyond England and
Wales, are welcome.
This conference will take place in person, but contributions from speakers
presenting remotely may also be considered. Submissions are encouraged
from academics, students, and non-academics alike. Free places are available
for speakers. A small number of bursaries are also available for students or
early-career professionals to enable their attendance at the conference.
Abstracts of no more than 250 words should be emailed to
president@vag.org.uk by 31 August 2024