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Undeterred by wintry conditions quite a number of people took the opportunity provided by Newry and Mourne Museum last Monday evening to learn about the work behind the museum’s exhibition and education programme. Each member of the museum staff gave a short talk on their area of expertise which stimulated an enthusiastic response from many members of the audience.
Declan Carroll, Museum Education Officer, began the evening with an entertaining and informative talk on how temporary exhibitions are used as part of the education programme at the Museum. He explained how objects are used to bring the past alive for children and how the various aspects of the exhibitions complement the aims of the school curriculum. He described a typical school visit in which the pupils view the exhibition and then take part in a workshop based on the theme of the exhibition.
The audience was then given an insight into how an exhibition is prepared and mounted for display. Dr Ken Abraham, Assistant Curator, explained how the Museum aims to keep the permanent exhibitions fresh by periodically changing the range of items on display. He also discussed how objects are selected and prepared for exhibitions. The Museum Volunteer, Sheila Walsh, went on to give a detailed description of objects are cleaned using specialised techniques and equipment. Many members of the audience took a keen interest in this aspect of conservation work.
The evening continued with the Museum Curator, Noreen Cunningham, showing the audience some of the changes being made to the permanent exhibitions. She highlighted problems encountered in displaying certain types of objects and drew attention to methods of lighting documents on display.
Everyone was then given a chance to preview some of the new objects which will go on display over the coming weeks, before enjoying a highly enlightening demonstration of how a costume is mounted on a mannequin and prepared for exhibition. Members of the audience were made aware of the challenges and problems involved in displaying historic costumes and enjoyed learning about some of the ‘tricks of the trade’ employed by museum professionals when displaying costumes.
“We were very encouraged by the good turnout at this event.” says Noreen Cunningham, Museum Curator, “This shows that the public is not only interested in coming to see exhibitions but are keen to learn about the work carried out by museum staff. Our series of conservation lectures over the past year has been a great success and we hope to stage similar events in the future.”
Events at Newry and Mourne Museum in the coming months include a exhibition – Faces from our Maritime Past – which explores the lives and careers of local merchant seamen, a Georgian Murder Mystery Evening and family workshops for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. Please contact 028 30313175 or 30313178 for further details or visit www.bagenalscastle.com
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