Interviews
Our ‘10 questions in 5 minutes’ with leading researchers, academics, and authors in the fields of history and archaeology.
Nigel Hetherington
Nigel Hetherington is the co-founder and CEO of Past Preservers; a broadcasting and media production company that provides historical and archaeological consultancy and professional support to the heritage and media worlds. Past Preservers represents expert presenters who have a wide range of skills and expertise, and help produce informative, educational content.
Nigel is an Archaeologist/ Egyptologist; a graduate of the Institute of Archaeology, University College London and serves as head of Past Preserver’s daily operations.
You can find out more about Nigel and Past Preservers here:
Twitter: @PastPreservers (Nigel)
@PPCasting (Past Preservers Job Board)
Next Interview:
Previous Interview:
1. What inspired you to be involved in your area of expertise?
It was a long path from accountant to archaeologist to TV producer, but it was always a love of the past that kept me going!
2. What do you like most about your field?
As a historical TV producer, almost every project that comes in the door (or inbox) is different but we have done our fair share of Tutankhamun & Ark of the Covenant documentaries.
3. How did you get involved in your field of study/research?
A visit to Egypt in 1997 inspired me to give up the 9-5 and head back to college, firstly part time at Birbeck and then full time at the IOA, UCL.
4. What book, website, or other resource would you recommend to new students of H/AH/ARCH?
Mine! (Past Preservers). For UK it must be the CBA (Council for British Archaeology), internationally the WMF (World Monuments Fund) and in Egypt of course the TMP (Theban Mapping Project).
5. What book, website, or other resource do you think is possibly the best you have ever found?
Theban Mapping Project (TMP). The TMP created an archaeological map of the Valley of the Kings (published as the Atlas of the Valley of the Kings, 2000) and developed a management plan.
It is essential to record and document what we have in terms of heritage assets, before we can begin to work out what risks they face and how we can mitigate those risks.
6. Can you mention one or two emerging themes you have observed in H/AH/ARCH?
More local thankfully!
7. What advice would you give someone starting out in H/AH/ARCH?
Trust your instincts and go with the flow, paths and plans.
8. If you could meet any historical figure who would it be and why?
King Tut, we need a long chat!
9. Which era or time period would you like to visit?
New Kingdom Egypt (between the sixteenth and eleventh century BC).
10. Do you have a favourite historical quote, if so what is it?
The Past is a Foreign Country, they do things differently there!