Skip to main content
computer keyboard and female hand

Data Visualisation for Cultural Heritage Collections

In this two part workshop Olivia Vane of the British Library takes you through a beautifully illustrated history of data visualisation before outlining some of the things you need to consider when preparing your own data visualisations.

Part 1: What is data visualisation? Why visualise cultural heritage data?

Part I of the course provided an overview of the key concepts in data visualisation and its intersection with digitised collections. It explored the range of ways visualising historical data can serve different audiences and goals.


Watch the presentation


View the accompanying slides

Part 2: From data to visualisation

In the second part of the workshop, Olivia went through the steps required to make data visualisations from identifying data sources, preparing and cleaning data, and offering insight into design and aesthetic considerations.


Watch the presentation


View the accompanying slides

Taken together, the two sessions will enable you to:

  • Recognise how visualising cultural datasets can aid researchers, collections managers, and general public audiences
  • Inspire you by exposing you to examples from contemporary practice.
  • Equip you with an appreciation of the steps and choices available in making visualisations
  • Introduce you to the principles of effective visualisation design

Return to article index