Archaeological Illustration

There is a team of specialist illustrators at the Archaeology Service who provide a wide range of design and archaeological illustration skills for all aspects of the Service’s work. From the outline planning stages of an evaluation or excavation, through field work, post-excavation analysis and into the publication of archaeological reports and monographs, the illustrators find themselves working as an integral part of the team.

Each member of the team has extensive experience of field archaeology, having been involved in projects with various organisations in Britain and abroad.

Their work is published in local and national publications, as well as being used on sites for interpretation of historical monuments and in educational literature.

Two of our illustrators have earned Full membership of the Association of Archaeological Illustrators and Surveyors – the international organisation which sets and maintains the standards of illustration within the profession.

From highly detailed and accurate drawings of pottery and artefacts, excavation plans and sections to digital mapping of past landscapes, the illustrators meet the exacting demands of archaeological recording and interpretation.

They have illustrated pottery of all periods – from post-medieval pitchers to Neolithic beakers. Flint artefacts, metal objects, bone tools and beautifully decorated brooches have all passed through their precise skills.

In recent years, much illustration work has been produced digitally to meet the requirements of modern publishing and most digital formats can now be catered for. Site plans have been produced using Computer Aided Design since 1990 and fine artefact illustration can now also be generated digitally.

• Illustration Services Guide PowerPoint format (9 MB) 
• Illustration Services Guide PDF format  (1.8 MB)

For more information on archaeological illustration, or to discuss a specific project please see our contacts page contact details.