Documenting Sikh Relics and Artefacts in the UK
The second International Sikh Research Conference (ISRC) showcased the research of University students as well as seasoned scholars of the Sikh faith. The conference was convened by Harjinder Singh Lallie (University of Warwick) and Gurinder Singh Mann (Director of the Sikh Museum Initiative). The event followed on from the tremendous success of the first conference in 2014.
The ISRC was hosted for the second time at the University of Warwick on the 28th of June 2015. The scope and range of presentations varied and brought together researchers from different disciplines.
Gurinder Singh Mann explaining how Sikh relics came into the UK
Gurinder Singh Mann SMI explained how the Initiative would consider the role of technology to exhibit and catalogue Sikh relics and artefacts in the UK. Mann discussed how Sikh relics and manuscripts have found their way to the UK institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum, British Museum and the British Library. As well as other locations like Universities, where Sikh collections have been donated by patrons. Many military places of interest like Sandhurst Military College, several castles and Regimental museums also house numerous artefacts of interest.
A 3d Model of a Sikh Sword was shown
He went through the barriers and issues that they face in trying to catalogue and accessing artefacts. He explained the motives and the projects that the SMI were going to undertake once they received funding for the tasks. Once project of the SMI is the modelling of Sikh relics, Mann give a demonstration of how these relics could be mapped and brought to life using 3d technology. He showed the example of a Sword and how it controlled on a PC or tablet and the proceeded to show how intricate patterns could be shown. The lecture was praised by the participants and suggestions were given as to how this technology could be used in promoting sikh relics in the UK.
More information about the conference can be seen here: http://www.sikhconference.co.uk/isrc-2015/