Almost done

The sands of time are slippery feckers. I haven't posted since November, and for good reason. It's been PhD writing season, the last hurdle before the final hurrah. This past month gave me the final piece of data I needed (laser scan outputs in a usable format), so I got my paperwork in order. Boom - submission mid next month, over 7 months early. I can't wait for the viva to be over. Whatever corrections come my way, I'll be happy. My topic is still a source of joy, but a part time PhD is a terribly long slog that needs to end. The sooner the better.

Plus, I don't like to post without pictures, so have some lovely pics of my quick trip to relaxy Lanzarote. Lots of caves and cocktails, great place.

Autodesk is amazing

Just downloaded a host of Autodesk programmes for free via the University's licensing agreements with the company. After only a few minutes, I had my 3D laser scan data of the Hell-Fire Caves in an accessible format. Whoop whoop. Too much excitement. Some of the views even look quite painterly and pretty.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) were kind enough to send me the raw data over the last couple of months (thanks Lee!) (following our fieldwork last year) and it's been an interesting learning curve getting a handle on data that so massive!

A painterly view of the Hell-Fire Caves laser scan data using Autodesk

Witches and gnomes in Devon

The fella and I had a bit of holiday time this summer, so we decided to live it up in Devon for two days. Most people might consider the beach (we did, it was lovely), or a relaxing drink in local taverns (did that too). But, we also sought to find the most entertaining offerings of the area. A quick trawl through the internets revealed a plethora of enticing sites: the Barometer Museum (by appointment only, would need to be organised); Big Sheep; and a quarry complex named after one of humankind's finest inventions, Beer.

In the end, I wanted to check out the Museum of Witchcraft, as there could be some links to my study. The PhD radar never sleeps, and I knew I would find it interesting. Off we popped to gobsmackingly-scenic Boscastle. There was a display of Aleister Crowley (PhD tick) and then weird and wonderful collections that I was flabbergasted by. 

Everyone loves a spoon - Uri Geller

I understand that witchcraft appeals to many but incites fear in others - the museum makes a serious effort to warn visitors and to promote respect for the reception and interpretation of witchcraft. I was surprised with the diversity of objects on display, from the esoteric, to the macabre, and there were far more human remains than I envisioned (which poses some ethical questions in itself).

Click below for more photos.

Guest Blog

Check out the guest blog post I wrote for the British Geological Survey!
http://britgeopeople.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/laser-scanning-hell-fire-caves-by.html

More super survey (team)work

Laying out some lines for Resistivity Survey:

There have been a few days of survey at Medmenham and a trip out the Hell-Fire Caves at West Wycombe - the data is being processed at present - here are some images, courtesy of James Ashwell, one of the volunteers who has so kindly helped me out (along with Tiffany and Lindsay - thanks to you all!)

Here's James, hard at work in the blazing sun:

Another day of survey

Thanks to James and Lindsay, pictured, for helping me out on another great day at Medmenham and the Hell-Fire Caves!

Medmenham Abbey Survey

What a fantastic week:

• Graffiti recording
• Res. survey (image above)
  
• Site photography

Thanks a million to Debbie and Jim for helping out, and to all the site staff for providing us with a warm reception.

More volunteers needed for next week's activities!

Email: aislingtierney@gmail.com

Beguiling Blasphemy (invited lecture)

I will be presenting a lecture entitled "Beguiling Blasphemy: The Hell-Fire Clubs of the 18th Century", for the University of Bristol Archaeology and Anthropology Society.

Thursday 3rd Feb 2011, 5.30pm.

All welcome, wine reception to follow.

Women and Religion - Conference Poster now online

View my conference poster here or check it out from this link http://www.archaeologyash.com/about-me (bottom of the page)