Essex Record Office: Paper buildings: conserving the architectural plans of Frederic Chancellor - ARA Archive Volunteering Award 2025 Case study
Paper buildings: conserving the architectural plans of Frederic Chancellor
Essex Record Office (ERO)
Funded by the National Manuscript Conservation Trust and Essex Heritage Trust
This project was nominated for the ARA Archive Volunteering Award 2025, the judges’ comments on this project were:
The volunteers who participated in the project clearly enjoyed and valued the experience of working with the collection for a variety of reasons which are articulated in the testimonies. The project was clearly well-planned and managed and the outcomes of the project in terms of the collection are impressive
A good application that demonstrates the social benefits of volunteering for wellbeing and life-long learning, here we see a case study in which volunteers have brought enormous value to a long-term cataloguing project. Managing a volunteer project over the long-term is a challenge in itself, and ERO's commitment is impressive. A good model of the "added value" that volunteers can bring to an archive service.
An effective and substantial but traditional volunteering project which delivered a lot over time and supported volunteers well.
A strong, sustained volunteer programme with clear personal and developmental benefits. Long-term engagement and testimonials highlight the project's social and educational value. Excellent use of volunteer support to achieve substantial progress on a large collection. The project has strengthened internal systems and improved access to a key resource. The project has increased visibility of Essex’s architectural heritage. Public access, volunteer advocacy, and plans for wider dissemination add to its reach. This is a high-quality, long-term project with strong impact and sector relevance.
Great project making an under used and locally significant collection visible. The volunteers certainly developed new skills, learning and social opportunities. Leaning re. volunteer programmes for the repository staff as well.
Project Case Study
This project, started in 2013, is more generally known as the ‘Chancellor Project’. It is designed to make the extensive collection from the practice of Frederic Chancellor accessible to a wider audience through the conservation and cataloguing of the 10,000 plus architectural plans held at the ERO. Fred Chancellor (1825-1918) was a prolific architect in Essex with offices in Chelmsford and London who undertook work on most churches in Essex and designed many public buildings, including schools and hospitals. He was a prominent public figure being the first and seven-times Mayor of Chelmsford. The collection which dates from 1860s to the 1960s was under used and difficult to access due to problematic storage and an inadequate, by modern standards, catalogue. The plans were stored as they had been deposited with the ERO in their original project rolls, some containing up to a hundred plans. Over the course of the past ten years, the volunteer team have completed work on 10,905 Chancellor plans of 783 sites in Essex.
Volunteering for this project was open to all, although by its nature, the need to be physically present onsite at the ERO restricted the number and availability of volunteers able to participate. Alternative volunteering options at the ERO offer remote volunteering for those unable to travel but this project offered an opportunity for people to gather together in person. This was particularly appreciated by volunteers after the hiatus of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aim of the project was to preserve the Chancellor plans and make them accessible, offering people an opportunity to contribute to the project as part of a team and learn more about local heritage.
The project also offered a way to improve and acquire new practical skills, broadening their conservation knowledge and improve their technical abilities.
The initial volunteers were recruited via appeals in ERO’s email bulletin, subsequently volunteers joined through word of mouth and general enquiries. They all come from different backgrounds and joined for various reasons, and they stayed due to their shared passion for the historical material, the satisfaction of making a contribution and the support and friendship which has developed amongst the teams.
The volunteers worked as two teams in the conservation studio, undertaking a range of tasks in the process which started with each plan being numbered and a detailed description recorded on a master spreadsheet. Once listed the plans were cleaned, humidified and flattened. Where required plans were repaired to ensure they were safe to be handled and produced in the Searchroom. Once completed they were packaged into folders and, where appropriate, polyester sleeves. Each volunteer was trained by the Senior Conservator in each step, with further support provided for the duration of their time on the project.
To ensure accuracy and consistency of the spreadsheet, descriptions were checked by one volunteer against the plans before being overseen and uploaded by the Archivist to SEAX, ERO’s online catalogue.
This project was ambitious, improving access to the collection both through physical preservation and remotely through new comprehensive catalogue entries. To ensure variety, volunteers could vary the tasks undertaken although plan cleaning remined the key element, all remedial conservation work was overseen by the conservator.
Over the years 36 volunteers have been involved in the project, many of whom have participated for years. One volunteer has been involved since the inception of the project. Many work placement students and new staff members also contributed to the volunteer sessions over the years.
Impacts on ERO include:
The archive material is better preserved; from large bundles of dirty plans stored in heavy boxes to clean, flat plans that are housed in archival quality folders. Now easier to access and produce by staff and consult by readers
Archive material has been made more accessible: the detailed catalogue has laid the groundwork for further study of architectural/local heritage
Understanding of working with/managing volunteers; the benefits volunteers can add to staff well-being, additional contributions with their specialist knowledge
Impact on volunteers:
Learnt new skills - specialist conservation training. Increased appreciation of the work involved in the preservation of archives.
Work experience - one volunteer has gone on to start training as a bookbinder
Learning about local architecture and history - enriched people’s lives through their engagement with original material and increasing their sense of place
Self-worth - contributing to something worthwhile and being valued, improving confidence
Social benefit - especially working on a project over a long time period - working in a team and the social support this can bring, in-person engagement, time commitment that offers to structure to your week (particularly important for the newly retired)
Some views from volunteers of their experience:
“I have been involved with the Chancellor Project at the Essex Record Office for several years now and will be very sad when it is finished. Apart from the usual benefits of making new friends and learning new skills I have learnt a great deal about local architecture and its history; it is not unknown for some of us to take a trip to find buildings that we have seen in the planning stage. I have also seen how materials used in drawing the plans have developed over the decades; from beautiful hand-drawn pen and ink designs to the blueprints showing technical requirements of later decades. Also, how building requirements have changed; early dwellings needing stable blocks with carriage houses and servant quarters later properties having none of those included”. Jacky Hathaway (volunteer)
“Volunteering on the Chancellor project is a highlight of my week. I have made friends and have learned to wield an eraser and smoke sponge effectively. It has inspired me to investigate further some of the plans we have helped conserve. Diane, our co-ordinator, makes the whole session enjoyable not least by providing coffee and biscuits and to the extent that we all want to continue volunteering on another project as this one draws to a conclusion.” Julie Sherman (volunteer)
“I think I was a born Jack of all trades, and Master of none. One of these trades was 'archivist' so when I retired to Clacton in 2016, I applied to the ERO stressing my engineering education and personal interest in aviation. After serving my 6 months ERO apprenticeship in 2017 with cataloguing Spalding photos and numerous building plan applications, I was asked to use my engineering knowledge to help out with cataloguing the Chancellor accession.
Now my engineering training was 60 years ago, but I remember engineering drawing, scales, perspectives and descriptions. Even as a primary school kid in the 1950s, my exercise book would list on the inside back cover, standard measurements such as furlongs, chains, rods, poles and perches, none of which are current - but proved to be valuable in interpreting early Chancellor plans. Part of my role is to add the scale to a plan, and these have challenged my memory. Even today, after nearly 8 years, I came across a new, very early Fred Chancellor scale (1856), not to be repeated, of '3/4'. At first, I thought it was a step down from full size (1:1) i.e 3:4, and then realised it's 3/4" scale i.e 1:16.
I'm at the end of the cataloguing chain, receiving the plans after they've been unrolled, flattened/cleaned/repaired by the 'Thursday' volunteers. I've enjoyed the challenge of passing on my understanding of scales and initial descriptions of plans to the volunteers who do the 'dirty work' and prepare the initial Excel catalogue worksheet. There's also a bit of competition between the 'dirty workers' who unroll and clean these rolls that have been kept in a loft for 100years; Diane the Senior Conservator who has to flatten the rolls (can take two weeks) and conserve the fragile tracing paper architects used; and myself to ensure that there are no bottlenecks - otherwise I get laid off! Is there a Volunteers' Union or shop steward?
I wouldn't want to leave the ERO Archivists out of this - the Duty Archivists have had to suffer innumerable interruptions by me - usually about interpreting signatures of builders and others who might be required to sign plans. If they didn't know, they knew a trade guide that did! Likewise the front-desk staff who are always constructive and patient when I have a 'Senior moment'.
I've valued these weekly trips to the Chancellor plans at ERO, they are a fixed, immutable day in my week, and an anchor for someone who once retired, initially found every day drifted into the next without difference. What would my life have been (and will be) without Chancellor?” Chris Tyrrell (volunteer)
“I joined the Chancellor Project looking to gain some experience in archives. With Diane's guidance and support, I now feel confident listing, cleaning and packing historical documents. Chancellor's architectural plans are fascinating; the artworks on his earlier plans are incredibly detailed and imaginative. But for me, the best part of volunteering on this project has been getting to do so alongside a group of likeminded individuals. I look forward to my visit to ERO every week.” Ruth Boon (volunteer)
“I am thoroughly enjoying my voluntary work on the Frederic Chancellor plans at the Essex Record Office. I feel that I am doing something really worthwhile in my retirement. From the moment I started my volunteering, Diane Taylor, our Senior Conservator, has always made me feel so welcome. There is a lovely friendly and relaxed atmosphere and I have made firm friends with Diane, Essex Record Office staff and the other volunteers. We always have a chat and a laugh which do me good especially if I have any worries on my mind.
I am learning all the time too! It's really exciting to open each fresh bundle of plans and see the amazing variety of buildings designed by Frederic Chancellor. Often I am prompted to do my own research into a building. It is interesting to find out about the design and layout of the buildings which give an insight into the social history of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. I love learning so this really satisfies my need.
I have also learned new skills in cleaning and flattening the plans. It is very rewarding to see how good a plan can look after cleaning especially if it was really grubby!
I never like missing my afternoon or being late as I thoroughly enjoy my time volunteering on the Chancellor Project and have benefitted so much!” Pat Bodin (volunteer)
“During the years that I've worked at the Essex Record Office in Conservation, I have met lovely people. I have memories to cherish of people, conversations and friendships over the years. The Chancellor papers have been a revelation too. Some of the drawings are amazing. I am pleased if I have helped in any way to preserve them for others to enjoy.” Anne Hornett (volunteer)
“Volunteering at the ERO with Diane has been amazing, here are some of the things I have enjoyed.
Conversations with like-minded people
Opportunities to make....
New friends
See a glimpse of the development of Essex
Enjoy teamwork, fun and laughter
Repair fascinating old documents and plans
View other concessions, maps, deeds and bibles
Admire the precision of expert conservation
Take a glance into the past
Imagine Essex in the 19th and 20th centuries
Observe archivists at work and share their knowledge
New horizons in learning”
Rhona Andrews (volunteer)
“All of this would not have been possible without your passion for this project, your kindness, support, encouragement and dedication. You always make us feel so welcome and valued and always take the time to show us other projects you are working on that you know would be of interest to us. Your patience in teaching us the skills necessary for the conservation means I have learned practical skills about the intricacies of paper types, cleaning, repairing and storing old documents without really realising what I have learned. Working with you and the other volunteers is, for me, a huge benefit. I have made so many lovely supportive friends and I feel we all work together as a great team which you have fostered, giving us a real sense of purpose and fulfilment. An example would be the elation we all feel when we all finish a long and laborious bundle of plans.
Before beginning this volunteering, I could not have imagined becoming so deeply engaged with architectural plans. This, now for me, extends far beyond the physical listing and conservation of these plans. The fascination of opening, an often very dirty bundle, which no one has looked at for possibly 150 years and finding the absolute wonder of an exquisitely realised water colour sketch of a grand house, school or church or intricate drawings of the architectural details on a Victorian fireplace, or the beautiful ink and watercolour floor plans of houses with differing descriptions over time of room functions depending on the type of house, is a wonderful way to not only develop my understanding of architectural terms but also the fascinating changes in the way society lives illustrated through these plans. There is, then, the satisfaction of delving into the history of the building represented on the plans, finding out about the people who commissioned the building and the changes of the building over time, particularly as we often find a building that we know, so deepening our connections with the area. These plans are a vital part of the social history for Essex, and I love thinking about how all this work we are doing is going to give so many opportunities for others to see these documents, use the data created in the database which they would not be able to do so without this project. It has inspired me to consider doing an Advanced Diploma in social history where I will learn more about using this kind of information for historical research.
It is only writing this that I am really considering how far I have come. I love, and am quite proud, in telling family and friends about, this project and what we have discovered, how we are part of the process of conservation and that anyone can see these documents online and use them to further their interest and research for evermore.” Catherine Kowalski (volunteer)
“I started my induction on the Chancellor project from scratch – with no conservation skills at all. I was quickly reassured by our Senior Conservator that this was not a problem and much to my amazement, under her kind, helpful and highly qualified guidance, I was able to start work on the Chancellor architecture plans immediately. Working through all the different processes of conservation, we volunteers have gained some expertise in the preservation of architecture plans - many from Victorian times – as well as a working knowledge of the history of architectural plans, and the strategies Chancellor used to demonstrate his architectural skills and creativity to potential clients. It has also given we volunteers added interest, not only in seeking out the buildings Chancellor planned that still remain to be seen today, but also for the exquisite detail of the plans and the beautiful watercolour paintings created by Chancellor of some of these buildings, that would have impressed his clients then and us today.
I am most grateful to the Essex Record Office for giving me this opportunity to learn about the conservation of these historic documents.” Son Turner (volunteer)
“It’s much more than just a voluntary position; it’s been a lifeline…. The project itself is of course interesting. The numerous drawings, plans etc. generate lively discussions between everyone. The quality of work is incredible, each new bundle of documents is met with enthusiasm. But the main thing for me is the team that work on the project. We are dedicated and genuinely enjoy our time together. I feel it’s a safe haven for friendship and support. Volunteering at the ERO for me means meeting kind, supportive and dedicated people. We care about our work and indeed each other.” Esther Ferro (volunteer)
The project volunteers have been great advocates for the ERO and the Chancellor collection over the years, The Friends of Historic Essex have organized volunteer celebratory lunches in recognition of the volunteer’s contribution to the archive. Their contribution has also been acknowledged and publicized through blog posts and an article in Essex Explorer magazine.
The duration of the project was double the length of time predicted by the pilot this is probably due in part to the demographic of the pilot project volunteers being different to those that would go on to participate. The all-important social interaction and support element of the project, which benefits both volunteers and staff was also not fully appreciated when anticipating the total number of hours required to undertake the task.
A reduction in the number of ERO conservation staff in the first year of the project impacted productivity although this did lead to an opportunity for volunteers to have a greater involvement in the collection care element of the project which hadn’t been anticipated.
The project has now been expanded to encompass the 80 architectural projects undertaken by Chancellor outside the county of Essex. Although not included in the original scope, encouraged by the on-going enthusiasm of volunteers it has been decided to continue and complete the whole collection.
During Essex County Council’s COVID-19 restrictions, when work in the conservation workshop was prohibited, one volunteer continued to work in the Searchroom listing Chancellor working papers, expanding further our online catalogue.
The use of the collection has increased, this is born out with increased reprographic orders for images of plans following publishing of new catalogue entries online.
The team at ERO have learnt a lot from the project and their tips for others embarking on anything similar are:
When embarking on a project which involves a high quantity of large plans don’t underestimate the physical undertaking for both volunteers and staff. Allow for regular breaks to maintain motivation and energy.
Be flexible, consider the interests and skills of each volunteer when allocating tasks, adapt and tailor procedures where possible.
Managing long term volunteer projects require commitment by staff and volunteers, the emotional investment by both is significant and should be recognised.
If you are providing refreshments – value your volunteers, invest in quality biscuits!
As part of the legacy of the project ERO are planning a one-day conference on the work of Fred Chancellor will be held at the ERO in the near future.
In addition to this a member of the ERO staff is intending to publish a booklet on the collection, highlighting the breath of the work Fred Chancellor undertook within Essex.
An additional volunteer is currently identifying particularly interesting projects for inclusion in future ERO events, social media, and for the Bloomberg Connects app.
Anne, Sue, Lesley, Son, Jacky (volunteers), Dr James Bettley (The High Sheriff of Essex, 2019), Diane (staff), Rhona and Dick (volunteers)
Ruth and Catherine (volunteers) - studying a plan
Sue, Ann, Pat, Julie and Jenny (volunteers) – sharing the workload
Lyn, Esther, Anne, Catherine (volunteers) Diane (staff) – after completing the last Essex Chancellor plan!