I started volunteering at Abbot Hall in 2014 and was immediately asked to help research information about a number of portraits they hold.
As well as helping set up exhibitions, I carry on the research work. I’m currently cataloguing more than 500 watercolour and ink drawings by 19th-century amateur artist John Harden of Brathay Hall at Ambleside.
I began by sorting through the archive boxes, ensuring each work was placed in accession number order. I’m now cataloguing each individual work, describing the scene, any inscriptions, measuring it, taking a photo-record and completing a condition check. All these details are added to the Lakeland Arts collections database to improve records.
As I am a second-year full-time student of art and design level 3 at Kendal College, my volunteering is concentrated on my subject of study. It’s a joy to help the gallery as well as gain experience. My role here inspires me to carry on with further education and eventually find a career in the art world.
Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to see how a gallery operates, how exhibitions are made and what work is done behind the scenes. I have met and worked with exceptional people who have increased my confidence and enlightened me.
As well as helping set up exhibitions, I carry on the research work. I’m currently cataloguing more than 500 watercolour and ink drawings by 19th-century amateur artist John Harden of Brathay Hall at Ambleside.
I began by sorting through the archive boxes, ensuring each work was placed in accession number order. I’m now cataloguing each individual work, describing the scene, any inscriptions, measuring it, taking a photo-record and completing a condition check. All these details are added to the Lakeland Arts collections database to improve records.
As I am a second-year full-time student of art and design level 3 at Kendal College, my volunteering is concentrated on my subject of study. It’s a joy to help the gallery as well as gain experience. My role here inspires me to carry on with further education and eventually find a career in the art world.
Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to see how a gallery operates, how exhibitions are made and what work is done behind the scenes. I have met and worked with exceptional people who have increased my confidence and enlightened me.