This article is from page 38 of the 2013-10-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 38 JPG
THE search is on for proposals from suitably qualified candidates to maintain and digitise the Shannon Development Collection, an extensive archive of photographic material, associated press clippings and brochures dating from the early 1950s to the present day.
This major collection recounts the evolution of the Shannon region from a large agricultural base to a leading industrial and tourism hub. The development of aviation at Shannon Airport, the birth of Shannon town and the Shannon Free Zone, as well as aerial shots showing different stages during the industrial development of the area are all chronicled.
It charts Shannon Development’s role in regional development. Among the material generated by the company are images and print material relating to tourism and industrial development throughout the region. It traces the growth of towns in counties Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary, South Offaly and North Kerry.
Speaking about its importance a spokesperson for the company said: “The collection contains an extremely significant historic legacy chronicling over 50 years of the Shannon region’s tourism, industrial and social evolution. In photos and words it records the early days at Shannon Airport and the birth of the world’s first Industrial Free Zone. It captures the many world leaders who visited Shannon and the many glamorous Hollywood movie stars who regularly visited the area among them, Gene Kelly, Bob Hope, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe and Princess Kelly.
‘The collection is a true testament to the hard work and determination of the people of the Shannon region, the dedication of Shannon Development staff, and the commitment and drive of those who partnered with the company down through the years. It is a legacy to their achievements and we want to ensure that these pictures and stories are nurtured and made accessible to future generations.”
Among the photographic element of the collection are over 70,000 black and white negatives, 40,000 transparencies, and 10,000 colour negatives.
There is also a print element consisting of press clippings dating from 1959 to 2006. In addition there are a number of Shannon Development brochures and a full collection of printed copies of the Shannon Development Annual Reports dating from 1959.
Legislation is being enacted to bring together the independent Shannon Airport with the extensive property holding, experience and expertise of Shannon Development under the Shannon Group plc. The ownership of the collection will remain with Shannon Group plc.
Among the terms and conditions is that the collection must be kept together – catalogued, preserved and made available as a resource for researchers, interested organisations and the general public. The successful candidate will manage, store and digitise the collection on behalf of Shannon Group plc. They will be responsible for preserving this hugely important archive and making it accessible to the public. The closing date for receipt of proposals is Friday, October 25. Full details including terms and conditions can be obtained up to Friday, October 18, by emailing croninc@shannondevelopment.ie.