Executive Summary

This project aims to bring 3D objects into the learning space. Traditionally it has been difficult to do so in the field of cultural heritage law because of the need to rely on 2D images of objects. However, this project, through the use of the developing area of 3D printing will change the way in which students can engage with the subject matter of the law and ethical regulation and provides a physical context for their discussions. It therefore provides an innovative means of enabling students to engage with replica heritage objects and through the physicality of the objects students can engage with the ethical and legal debates surrounding the treatment of these objects. Students on this module will be law students; however, cultural heritage as a field of study is necessarily interdisciplinary, touching as it does on diverse areas such as archaeology, museum studies and anthropology.

The very nature of the objects as replicas rather than being originals will provide a further dimension for discussion since a major aspect of debates on the valuing of cultural heritage is the authenticity of objects.