Robert Burnard Paintings

Robert Burnard was a British photographer and archaeologist born in 1848 and whose contributions significantly impacted the documentation and preservation of prehistoric sites, particularly on Dartmoor, a vast moorland in Devon, England. He was not just an observer of the landscape but an active participant in the early movements aimed at protecting and understanding Britain's ancient past. His life spanned a period of great change in Britain, both socially and technologically, and his work reflects a keen interest in merging the emerging field of photography with archaeological pursuits.

Burnard's most notable contributions lie in his photographic documentation of the Dartmoor landscape and its archaeological remains. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discipline of archaeology was in its formative stages, and Burnard was among the pioneers who recognized the value of photography as a tool for recording and preserving the details of prehistoric and historic sites. His photographs, which include images of stone circles, lone standing stones, and ancient settlements, are invaluable records of the condition and context of these sites at the time of their capture. They provide a baseline against which the effects of time, weather, and human activity on these structures can be measured.

Beyond his photographic work, Burnard was actively involved in the broader archaeological community. He was a member of the Devonshire Association and contributed to its Transactions, sharing his findings and insights with fellow members and the interested public. His dedication to the field was also evident in his involvement in efforts to protect Dartmoor's archaeological heritage from the threats posed by agricultural practices, development, and neglect.

Robert Burnard's legacy is not merely in the images he left behind or in the specific sites he helped to preserve. It is also in his approach to archaeology and heritage conservation. He demonstrated early on the importance of meticulous record-keeping, the potential of new technologies in the service of history, and the need for active measures to protect and understand the human past. Burnard passed away in 1920, but his work continues to inspire and inform contemporary archaeology and conservation efforts, particularly in the context of Dartmoor and beyond. His photographs not only serve as a window into Dartmoor's ancient past but also as a reminder of the enduring value of preserving such landscapes for future generations.