Where is the Archive based?
The Archive was founded in the North of England; however, we are an Online digital project. The small physical collection of the archive (which is being digitalized) is held at the registered address of the Archive, but this is not open to the public at this time, and all visit requests will need to be approved.
Why was the Archive set up?
The Archive was founded due to the frustrations felt by many of not being able to access a central resource of images and documentaries of these traditions. All the media in the archive was spread across multiple social media platforms and websites, with no link or connection to one another. Meaning that if you were seeking images of Gerald Gardner for example, you would have to search through dozens of places to find a fraction of the resources we currently host.
Are all people on the site legitimate and vouched for initiates of these traditions?
We cannot always verify even the names and identities of all individuals included, and as such finding information on their legitimacy is an unachievable task. We do not offer confirmation or validation of status as initiates and would recommend reaching out directly to traditional and line-based authorities to confirm their vouches.
It is always worth noting that many of the photographs and documentaries were staged events, and that very few depicted the true nature of the rituals of these traditions and does not break any lineage oaths of these traditions.
Do you have permission and consent from these people to post their image?
All the media that the Archive hosts has been acquired through publicly accessible resources, all of which has been around for several decades. The subjects of this media are the ones that invited the News, Photographers, and Documentary makers into their space, put on these performances and allowed them to distribute their images across the world. As such it is assumed that all subjects had informed consent as to how these images would be used, by the News, Photographers, and Documentary makers that would own the rights to this media and make the decision on its distribution.
None of the subjects could have known that the internet would be born, and how accessible this media would become. All complaints by the media subjects will be taken very seriously.
Does the Archive have a comment on the “2022 Declaration”?
No, the Archive is a neutral party to all disputes, declarations, and dictatorships within the traditions that make up British Traditional Wicca. Many disputes are complex issues, with regional nuances and as such the Archive is not here to wade in and make any statement or comment. We are a historical archive and gallery and will present the full spectrum of expressions of these traditions, so long as they do not promote Violence, Hate, or Bigotry.
What is the future plan for the Archive?
We are presently trying to set up the Archive as an independent organisation so that it can stand on its own, without the financial aid of current private donors.
We are going to continue to grow and add more media to our digital collection, as well as gather copies of original publications that this media was published in. We are opening submissions to contemporary creators of these traditions that want to engage and share their media. As well as working with graphic and digital restoration artists to salvage as much of the poor- and low-quality media as we can.
We will continue to build relationships with the communities and organizations around these traditions
Lastly, we will be creating several projects to give back to the communities and practitioners of these traditions and allow them to obtain some tangible part of the archive for their personal collection.
Why isn’t the Archive a Trust or Foundation.
Due to the nature of the Archive being a primarily digital project, and that we have a very small physical collection, setting up a Trust in the UK is impossible due to the lack of assets, finances, and collection to be held in trust. A Trust also costs several thousands of pounds to found and set up, and at this time the Archive doesn’t retain those kinds of financial assets.