Disentangling Industrial Archaeology and Industrial Heritage: A Review of Research Methods and Paradigms

Abstract

Industrial archaeology and industrial heritage have long been regarded as two sides of the same coin. Both have shared origins and aim to explore, interpret and preserve the remains of the industrial past. Yet, despite their continued growth in separate directions, industrial archaeology and heritage are continually conflated, with little work having been done to interrogate their differences. This article aims to identify and disentangle the relationships between industrial archaeology and heritage. After discussing the prevailing methods and paradigms of industrial archaeology, the author identifies two distinct approaches to industrial heritage research and practice, ‘classical’ and ‘critical’ industrial heritage. These three approaches to working with and studying the industrial past are then placed into direct discussion, where the case is made that future researchers and practitioners should become more sensitive to the differences between industrial archaeology and industrial heritage.