About us
Antony Firth, BA(Hons), MSc, PhD, MCIfA
Director
Early in his career, Antony combined academic training in European and international organisations, and sea-use law and management, with practical diving-based fieldwork on both submerged prehistoric sites and shipwrecks. His PhD included detailed comparative analysis of marine heritage in European countries and research into the history and implementation of UK legislation. Antony also took part in commercial diving operations in support of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 as a member of the Archaeological Diving Unit (ADU).
Antony worked for Wessex Archaeology for almost 16 years, initially as a Project Manager and then as Head of Coastal and Marine. During this time Antony was involved in a very wide range of projects, including major development-led schemes, strategic research into methods and applications, and initiatives designed to broaden engagement with industry, schools and the wider public. Antony established Fjordr with Emma Firth in January 2012. Since November 2021, Antony has been employed by Historic England as Head of Marine and Coastal Heritage, but he continues to work for Fjordr part time.
As well as authoring numerous reports, Antony has continued to publish extensively across a range of topics relating to the heritage of marine, coastal and inland waters.
Emma Firth, BA(Hons), MSc, MCIfA
Director
Emma started her archaeological career in land-based fieldwork, developing specialisms in artefact analysis, archiving and archaeological computing. Since joining Fjordr in 2017 she has worked on a range of GIS based projects concentrating on the archaeology of rivers.
Having worked as a field archaeologist and increasingly as a finds specialist, Emma completed an MSc in Archaeological Computing and became the Archaeological Systems Development Officer at Wessex Archaeology. She developed field- and office-based GIS systems and databases for a wide range of applications including site recording, coastal surveys, maritime buildings, archives and specialist finds databases.
Subsequently, Emma was the Finds and Archives Manager at AC Archaeology, dealing with all classes of archaeological finds, palaeo-environmental samples and liaising with specialists and museums. Emma is a specialist in both metalwork and small finds, and in Saxon, Medieval and Post-medieval pottery.
Emma joined Fjordr full time from July 2017, developing capabilities in GIS, data processing and interpretation, including visualisation of LIDAR and bathymetry. Emma continues to provide specialist finds services including assessment and analysis.
Emma has contributed to numerous client reports, post-excavation assessments and publications.