The Doc Rowe Archive

An exhibition curated and designed by the Museum of British Folklore. Hosted by the Museum of East Anglian Life, ‘The Doc Rowe Archive: 50 years of Focusing on Folk’, will present the importance of a unique and comprehensive archive, unmatched anywhere. Known within the folk community for many years, Doc Rowe has been a familiar face at hundreds of seasonal customs and traditions. Recording, photographing and collecting, Doc has amassed a vast amount of folklore related material and his archive is unparalleled in its broad scope and its comprehensive nature. The exhibition will provide the public with an opportunity to view an important record of cultural history — an archive which continues to evolve and grow, just like folklore itself. Some of the folk festivals depicted no longer take place, whilst some have grown exponentially: living proof of the contemporary interest in folklore. ‘The Doc Rowe Archive: 50 Years of Focusing on Folk’ will consider the importance of archives in general, in the context of our digital age. It will demonstrate the process of collecting images and sound with analog equipment as an exploration of Doc Rowe’s working practice. With examples of photographs and field recordings, visitors will be able to see why Doc Rowe’s material gives such a rich insight into an often overlooked area of British culture, with a special emphasis on Suffolk and its singers and traditions.

For more info visit – eastanglianlife.org.uk

museumofbritishfolklore.com