Representation within the natural sciences is a topic that has generated a considerable body of literature since the mid-1970s, ranging from Rudwick’s seminal work on the emergence of a visual language in geology, to an expansive area of study investigating visual representations as ‘scientific’ resource. Within science, the epistemological nature of scientific illustration has shifted from being taken-for-granted and unproblematic to a rich area of study from which numerous critical issues have been identified.

Recent visual studies within archaeology have focused on the history of pictorial reconstructions of ancient life challenging familiar assumptions about our understanding of humans in the deep past. Attention has also been turned to other themes concerning imagery in archaeology marking a burgeoning concern with the relationship between visual representations alongside our perceptions and expectations of the past.

Over a period of three years, Visualisation in Archaeology will significantly contribute to the foundation of a theory and practice of archaeological illustration relating to the visualisation of archaeological data defined, for the purposes of this project, as that diverse range of illustrative media employed by archaeologists in order to disseminate and communicate the results of archaeological investigations. VIA will support and promote horizon-scanning.

Visualisation in Archaeology represents a collaborative undertaking between its two principal partners: 3’s Company (Consultancy) Limited and University of Southampton. 3’s Company (Consultancy) Limited specialises in archaeological illustration, publication (traditional and digital), information graphics, and also contributes to an MA programme of study in archaeological illustration. The University of Southampton is a recognised centre of excellence, specialising in distinctive research areas; notably, visual representation in archaeology and virtual reality. In addition to its status as the country’s leading heritage organisation -- reflected in its generous funding commitment to this project -- English Heritage is also deeply embedded at all levels of VIA. Finally, providing additional intellectual breadth to VIA, we warmly welcome the valuable involvement of University of Leicester, University of Plymouth and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.