This year some 1,200 museums and galleries took part in Museums and Galleries month. Five projects have been chosen for commendation for their originality and impact. The theme chosen this year was Travel, and the Art of Travelling.
The Teignbridge Museums Vintage Bus project took a hands-on approach to the theme. A vintage bus travelled between the two Teignbridge museums, Newton Abbot and Dawlish.
The tour allowed residents an extensive view of their town and its sites from the comfort of the eye-catching buses. One passenger thought it was a pity that the tour could not run all year round.
The London borough of Sutton named the month of May Sutton Heritage month. At Whitehall, Cheam, a new audio guide and interactive information system were launched. Little Holland House introduced craft workshops, and the Grove Mill in Grove Park, Carshalton, was inaugurated after recent restoration.
The staff from Honeywood Heritage centre were particularly imaginative, drawing in crowds with crafts, games, banners and costumes.
At Verdant Works, Dundee, staff said that the museum 'came alive' for a weekend, attracting some 350 visitors, 50 per cent of which were new to the museum. It was a weekend of celebrating Indian culture through traditional music, dance, food, drama and crafts.
The old trade links between Dundee and India were explored through the heritage of Verdant works (where jute was processed). The contribution of the local Indian community and restaurants enhanced the vibrancy of the celebrations.
At Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, local families were fortunate to be joined by the printmaker, Caroline Green. A hundred people explored a range of printmaking techniques and together created an enormous suitcase, covered in decorative labels and stickers.
The suitcase was inspired by sculptures of Claes Oldenburg and by Marcel Duchamp's Valise. The lighthearted subject conjured up a smorgasbord of designs created by families remembering past holidays and travels.
The Maritime Heritage Centre, Bristol, worked with children from five local schools. They created a mural inspired by the ss Great Britain. After learning about the history of the celebrated Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the children made two glazed tiles each, with the help of their teachers.
The mural was such a success that it has become a permanent focal point for the ss Great Britain Maritime Heritage Centre. Its glazed blue tiles evoke visions of the sea, a perfect piece of artwork to feature in the centre. mj
The Teignbridge Museums Vintage Bus project took a hands-on approach to the theme. A vintage bus travelled between the two Teignbridge museums, Newton Abbot and Dawlish.
The tour allowed residents an extensive view of their town and its sites from the comfort of the eye-catching buses. One passenger thought it was a pity that the tour could not run all year round.
The London borough of Sutton named the month of May Sutton Heritage month. At Whitehall, Cheam, a new audio guide and interactive information system were launched. Little Holland House introduced craft workshops, and the Grove Mill in Grove Park, Carshalton, was inaugurated after recent restoration.
The staff from Honeywood Heritage centre were particularly imaginative, drawing in crowds with crafts, games, banners and costumes.
At Verdant Works, Dundee, staff said that the museum 'came alive' for a weekend, attracting some 350 visitors, 50 per cent of which were new to the museum. It was a weekend of celebrating Indian culture through traditional music, dance, food, drama and crafts.
The old trade links between Dundee and India were explored through the heritage of Verdant works (where jute was processed). The contribution of the local Indian community and restaurants enhanced the vibrancy of the celebrations.
At Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham, local families were fortunate to be joined by the printmaker, Caroline Green. A hundred people explored a range of printmaking techniques and together created an enormous suitcase, covered in decorative labels and stickers.
The suitcase was inspired by sculptures of Claes Oldenburg and by Marcel Duchamp's Valise. The lighthearted subject conjured up a smorgasbord of designs created by families remembering past holidays and travels.
The Maritime Heritage Centre, Bristol, worked with children from five local schools. They created a mural inspired by the ss Great Britain. After learning about the history of the celebrated Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the children made two glazed tiles each, with the help of their teachers.
The mural was such a success that it has become a permanent focal point for the ss Great Britain Maritime Heritage Centre. Its glazed blue tiles evoke visions of the sea, a perfect piece of artwork to feature in the centre. mj
