Heritage as an element of identity: The Royal Collections of National Heritage

Abstract

This article analyzes the keys that make up the current meaning of cultural heritage and its perception throughout history, applying it to the specific reality of Spain's National Heritage.

In order to address the role that cultural assets play in the contemporary world, the author traces a historical journey up to the present day, illustrating with examples the interconnection of historical movements in the consideration of cultural assets. Particularly interesting is the interpretation he gives to the new international sensitivity provided by the broadening of the concept of cultural heritage in the 20th century. In his discourse he emphasizes the symbolic, social, utilitarian and collective identity projection, both for the community that generates it and for humanity as a whole. José Luis Valverde's work experience and knowledge of National Heritage allows him to unravel the identity of this vast collection of monumental, natural and landscape assets, historical-artistic collections, bibliographic and documentary collections that were at the service of the Spanish Crown and are distributed throughout the Royal Sites and monastic foundations of the Royal Patronages. The author highlights its specific nature and the institutional service for the Head of State, compatible with the public use for cultural, scientific, and educational purposes entrusted to it by law. For the effective execution of its objectives, the management areas of National Heritage are described in detail, as the institution responsible for the custody, storage, conservation and restoration, documentation, research, management, dissemination, and promotion of the Royal collections.