Barry Crump

Barry Crump is an unusual archaeologist, with an eclectic mixture of interests and experience (including literature, philosophy, music and the arts as well as science, systems, and history). He has studied Philosophy, English Literature and Archaeology and worked within many aspects of heritage, from archaeological excavation and finds, to museums, teaching and outreach.

“Working within heritage, I found archaeological and historical information increasingly stifling. The dates of objects began to feel less important than their meaning, interpretation and user experience. Much of the information presented as 'fact' started to feel counter intuitive.”

“I had often heard that the pictures on coins would have allowed an illiterate user to understand some of the messages depicted. It seemed to me that recognising images (and understanding and interpreting their meaning) was far more complex than was often credited and deserved deeper consideration.”

“I returned to the University of York to undertake research, with the aim of bringing new and original perspectives to a traditional and unfashionable area of archaeological study. I have been developing a multi-disciplinary approach to assess the coinage of Roman Britain, with a user-orientated focus, considering 'identity' and 'experience' alongside data analysis.”