Welcome to the 24 Hour Museum news in brief page for the week ending September 21 2008.
19.09.2008 - One millionth visitor steps into Science Museum’s Launchpad
The one millionth visitor stepped over the threshold of the Science Museum’s interactive gallery Launchpad on September 19 2008 – almost three months earlier than predicted and less than a year since the gallery reopened after a £4 million transformation in November 2007.
Alyaa Ridha, aged ten, from London received a goody bag including a Nintendo DS, a remote controlled car and a VIP tour of the Launchpad gallery. The presentation was made by the Science Museum’s very own Isaac Newton drama character.
The UK’s largest free interactive gallery has now hosted over one million children and adults who have twisted, pulled and turned over 50 interactive exhibits and devices demonstrating the wonders of electricity and magnetism, forces and motion, materials, light and sound.
18.09.2008 - Cornish maritime conference returns to Maritime Museum
Offering an enticing mix of current research from both enthusiasts and academics, the Cornish Maritime History Conference returns to the National Maritime Museum in Cornwall on Saturday September 27.
As in previous years the conference will explore a diverse mix of themes and periods including: 19th century women shipping investors; the National Dock Labour Scheme; the Walsingham Packet; and Polish naval memories of World War II.
Speakers at the conference include Maritime Museum trustee Dr Helen Doe and Edward Yescombe, descendant of Falmouth Packet Captain Edward Bayntun Yescombe.
Places at the conference cost £27 for adults, £20 for students and £23 for museum members and includes all refreshments, lunch and admission to the museum and library. To book a place contact Tony Pawlyn on 01872 561424 or email tonypawlyn@btinternet.com.
18.09.2008 - Suffolk pensioners go back to the future as new podcast preserves a part of history
An extraordinary group of people in Suffolk have been working on an innovative film project aimed at capturing a part of local history.
Members of six library based reading groups in the county, including Bury St Edmunds, Felixstowe, Halesworth, Ipswich, Lowestoft and Woodbridge, have been recorded giving readings of their penned poetry and prose documenting their earliest and most poignant memories of life in the county.
Using modern technology, the audio recording is now available for more people than ever to relive the past. The illuminating personal accounts of an era long gone are also being brought into everyone's homes with the use of a special podcast.
17.09.2008 - PUSH 4 Culture for Hampshire's young people
Hampshire is launching its PUSH 4 Culture campaign on Tuesday September 23 at Action Stations (part of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard) at 11am with street dancing a rap artist, live music and much more.
Hampshire was awarded one of only 10 national Find Your Talent pathfinder programmes by the Government with a £2m budget to get children and young people aged 0 to 19 to actively participate in five hours of culture a week, in and out of school.
September 23 will mark the beginning of this project with a media launch which has been organised by the Push 4 Culture partnership which is co-ordinated by Hampshire County Council, with Southampton City Council, Portsmouth City Council, Creative Partnerships and endorsed by the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH).
"I hope the young people of Hampshire are as delighted as we are in winning the Find Your Talent Pathfinder as it means a number of different authorities can now work together in providing access to a wide range of cultural activities to young people," said Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber.
17.09.2008 - Sir Barry Cunliffe appointed interim Chair of English Heritage
Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe has been appointed as the interim-chair of English Heritage, following the sad death of Lord Bruce-Lockhart in August 2008.
Professor Sir Barry, who is currently a trustee of the British Museum and Chair of the Hampshire Museum Trust, served on the English Heritage Commission between 1986 and 1992.
He will take up the post of Chairman immediately, his role ending when a replacement for Sandy Bruce-Lockhart is appointed. It is expected that a new chairman will be identified and in post by Easter 2009.
16.09.2008 - Magic and mischief return to Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most spellbinding strongholds, will once again be transformed into The Castle of Magic on September 20 and 21 when the UK’s largest magic festival returns due to popular demand for a third time.
A packed programme will feature a host of performances and 15 varied acts by a cast of award-winning magicians, illusionists and conjurers from the UK and beyond.
From noon to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday, shows tailored for all ages will be staged in the Great Hall, Chapel Royal and Queen Anne Gardens, and there will also be strolling performers and close-up acts to entertain the crowds throughout the Castle.
Entry to The Castle of Magic event is included in the normal admission price to Stirling Castle - £8.50 for adults, £6.50 for concessions and £4.25 for children.
15.09.2008 - NPG announces shortlist for Photographic Portrait Prize
The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) has announced the four photographers shortlisted for the £12,000 Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize.
A leading showcase for new talent in portrait photography, which is now sponsored by European law firm, Taylor Wessing, the prize showcases the work of some of the most talented emerging young photographers, alongside that of established professionals, photography students and gifted amateurs.
The four shortlisted photographers are: Catherine Balet for Ines connected with Amina, 2007 from the series, Connected; Lottie Davies for Quints, 2008 from an ongoing project entitled Memories & Nightmares; Hendrik Kerstens for Bag, 2007 and Tom Stoddart for Murdoch Reflects, 2007 commissioned by Time magazine.
Judges selected 60 portraits for an exhibition at the NPG from 6,758 submissions entered by 2,575 photographers from around the world. The exhibition will run from November 6 2008 through to February 15 2009.
An overall winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on the evening of Tuesday November 4 2008 at the NPG. The First Prize winner receives £12,000, Second Prize £3,000, Third Prize £2,000 and Fourth Prize £1,000.
15.09.2008 - Steam and vintage weekend returns to Rural Life Centre in Tilford
Tilford's museum of country life, the Rural Life Centre, will come alive with the sound of working vintage machinery over the weekend of September 27 and 28 with the return of the popular Steam & Vintage Weekend organised by the Central Southern Vintage Agricultural Club.
There will be close on 100 exhibits including miniature steam engines and their full-sized equivalents, cars and commercial vehicles, motorcycles and a multitude of tractors.
There will also be stationary engines driving assorted agricultural machinery plus a selection of horticultural machines and lawn mowers. The Surrey Association of Woodturners will be in attendance demonstrating their skills on lathes turning wood from the nearby working sawbenches into practical articles of beauty.
Alongside all of this activity the Old Kiln Light Railway will have their venerable octogenarian steam locomotive Elouise in action hauling trains full of visitors around the wooded ten acre museum site. For further information telephone 01252 795571.
