PLYMOUTH CITY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AJ t: 01752 304774 e: museum@plymouth.gov.uk www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm (last entries at 5pm) Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10am to 5pm (last entries at 4.30pm)
PLYMOUTH CITY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
HELLO!
VISITING YOU
VISITING US Welcome
5
Exhibitions Downstairs Bringing the World to Plymouth Ancient Egypt Uncovered Plymouth: Port and Place Explore Nature
6-7 8-9 10 - 11 12 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 17
Exhibitions Upstairs The South Gallery Cottonian Collection Atrium and China Connection
18 - 19 20 - 21 22 - 23 24 - 25
Visiting with your group Sketchbooks Strictly Gallery X-Factor Resources Historic Sites
26 - 27 29 30 31 32 - 33
Museum in Transit Outreach visits
34 - 35 36 - 37
BOOKING AND PLANNING Booking your visit Planning your visit
38 - 39 40 - 41
OTHER Use of art materials Testimonials Map
42 43 46
WELCOME!
Text and images ©Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, 2009 www.plymouth.gov.uk/museumschools Text: Adam Milford and Rob Longworth Design: David Tetley
This booklet contains information about Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s on-site and off-site provision for schools and colleges, and the range of educational ideas and activities available. We are flexible in our approach to all activities and our services are FREE. Whatever you’re doing, contact us to see how we could enrich your students learning experience.
EXHIBITIONS Downstairs
Let us organise a lively gallery tour for your class looking at our new displays We can tailor these tours to suit the ages, abilities and learning styles of your group. Why not book your group in for a day-long visit?
BRINGING THE WORLD TO PLYMOUTH Discover how objects from around the world have ended up in the Museum’s collections!
BRINGING THE WORLD TO PLYMOUTH Exhibitions Downstairs
Weaving together the sights, sounds and stories from a variety of world cultures, Bringing the World to Plymouth showcases objects such as ornaments, fabrics, costumes, vibrant beadwork and carvings from Africa, Asia and Oceania - many of which have never been displayed before. Walk in the footsteps of some of the key collectors who have donated items to the Museum. These include: Gertrude Benham - an intrepid explorer who trekked across the world in the early 1900s. Reverend Harry Moore Dauncey - who spent nearly 40 years living in Delena on the south coast of Papua New Guinea. Reverend Sidney John Delight - who worked at the theological college in Ningbo, China in the 1920s.
Workshop opportunities If you are studying different cultures from around the world, we can support lessons with this gallery. Join the team for an African-themed session, using real objects, and sights and sounds from around the continent. We can also focus on Asia or Oceania, looking closely at the amazing objects we have on display. Sessions can be based around art and craft or creative writing. There is a strong link to pattern, colour, use of natural materials and world travel in this gallery - perfect for observational sketching and note making. For Key Stage 3 groups and above, we can also offer a hands-on ‘Slavery and Abolition’ workshop to meet your needs if you are teaching the transatlantic slave trade.
ANCIENT EGYPT Travel back more than 3,000 years in time to Egypt, one of the world’s most ancient cultures.
On display in our Ancient Egypt gallery you’ll find statuettes, jewellery, mummified animals, other grave goods and our mummy inner coffin, which came to the Museum in 1919.
ANCIENT EGYPT Exhibitions Downstairs
Guess which animal mummy is an ancient fake with our x-ray interactive, and find out about gods and goddesses with our magnetic puzzle. What better way to study an ancient culture, than by seeing first hand the objects that would have been used in daily life? The gallery is a must-see for your group.
Workshop opportunities Using our extraordinary collection of artefacts, your class can experience ancient Egyptian culture first-hand. Your pupils will discover the facts and fiction surrounding the ancient Egyptians, create drawings of the objects using their observational skills, develop their presentation skills by presenting facts ‘in the spotlight’, and explore the artefacts used day-to-day over 3000 years ago. We can also provide sessions on ancient Egyptian portraiture. Pupils will discover how the human figure was perceived and drawn, and then create their own portrait using what they have learnt.
UNCOVERED Unearth your ancient history with a gallery of treasures showing how archaeology can open a window on the past and help us understand the place we live in today.
When did people first arrive in the Plymouth area and what did they do when they got here? This is your chance to discover what archaeologists think happened in the distant past!
Workshop opportunities This gallery can support your study of Roman Britain, the ancient Greeks, the Bronze and Iron Ages, Medieval or Tudor Britain.
The gallery spans a time period that stretches from prehistoric times through to the present and includes objects from the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Roman and Medieval periods.
Starting with a piece of excavated broken pottery, your pupils can become a museum officer for the day and try to recreate the original shape of the vessel. With lots of examples on display from various geographical locations and historical periods, this will challenge your pupils to think about the design and purpose for different pottery from the past.
UNCOVERED Exhibitions Downstairs
Interactive elements give you plenty of opportunity for your pupils to be ‘hands on’. Travel back in time with our stratigraphy interactive. Can they reconstruct a shattered bowl like an archaeologist? What would they have looked like as a Roman?
We can also support sessions looking at tessellation, using our decorated medieval floor tiles for inspiration. Can your pupils design their own medieval floor? This gallery is also ideal for introducing chronology to your pupils, allowing them to piece together history, and think like an archaeologist.
PLYMOUTH: PORT AND PLACE Navigate your way through our chosen themes of Safe Harbour, Town to City, Naval Port and Plymouth Journeys.
PLYMOUTH: PORT AND PLACE Exhibitions Downstairs
As you’re welcomed into the port, discover how the ‘Three Towns’ of Stonehouse, Devonport and Sutton became one and explore how the sea, the military and centuries of conflict have helped to shape modern Plymouth. Also on display are some of Plymouth’s connections with the ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ with Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s skis back on show, as well as fascinating objects from the expedition. This gallery also gives a flavour of some of the wonderful historic photographs, prints, maps, documents and film footage preserved by the City with our Plymouth Pictured interactive database.
Workshop opportunities This gallery is great if you’re focusing on how Plymouth developed as a city, famous local people, arrivals, departures and journeys, or anything else to do with the history of Plymouth. Concentrating on the historic Eddystone lighthouses, your pupils will be able to look at the changes to their design over the years, and try to design a lighthouse for the future. Why not combine a visit to this gallery with a trip to Smeaton’s Tower? Please see page 33 for more details. We can also introduce you to some famous people that have passed through Plymouth over the years, from Sir Francis Drake to Captain Cook, and look at why Plymouth was a significant port for them.
EXPLORE NATURE Investigate nature in our fun natural history gallery which is packed full of fascinating facts and thrilling things.
See nature ‘Inside Out’, explore different ways of ‘Using Nature’, find out more about the variety of ‘Pattern and Colour’ in the natural world, and discover why museums have a history of ‘Collecting Nature’.
EXPLORE NATURE Exhibitions Downstairs
With feathers to feel, bugs to boggle at, pickled animals to peek at and old favourites like our hippo skull; this gallery is an interactive space that will engage your students with Natural History in a fun and informal way.
Workshop opportunities This gallery is brilliant if you’re studying science or art. Bring your sketchbooks along for a colour and patternthemed session with us, looking closely at the amazing animals, insects and minerals we have on display. This gallery will also encourage your pupils to be hands-on, with plenty of objects for them to interact with and touch. We can help your pupils discover new and exciting things, improving their investigation, speaking and listening skills by presenting their findings to the class.
EXHIBITIONS Upstairs
Details of our current special exhibitions can be found on our website; please check regularly to avoid missing out All exhibitions can be visited by school groups, please contact us for more information. Special exhibitions are held in our North and Hurdle Galleries.
THE SOUTH GALLERY Are you looking for a theme or inspiration for an art project at school? Look no further than the South Gallery!
Our fine art collection includes around 750 paintings, 3000 watercolours and drawings, over 5000 prints and small collections of sculpture and miniatures.
THE SOUTH GALLERY Exhibitions Upstairs
We hold significant collections from the 19th century Newlyn School, early 20th century Camden Town Group and mid 20th century St Ives School. We also have a very fine collection of maritime paintings, and a significant number of works that relate to the local landscape, both in Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Most work in the collection can be linked to landscape, travel, local industry and regional identity, and so could form the basis for a school-based project. We rotate the displays in this gallery regularly, so please check our website to find out what’s on at the moment.
Workshop opportunities We can provide workshops based around expressive drawing, different materials and techniques used by artists, exploration of line, working at different speeds and the use of colour that relate to the paintings on display. This gallery is ideal for sketchbook development work for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 pupils studying any creative artsbased course.
COTTONIAN COLLECTION The Cottonian Collection, assembled in the 18th century by Charles Rogers (1711 to 1784) includes thousands of images dating between the 15th and 19th centuries, an invaluable resource for visual material.
Museum staff and local teachers have developed a variety of Cottonian Collection education projects to support curriculum objectives utilising the unique imagery depicted in the collection.
Teachers can access the images and project lesson plans from the education homepage of the Cottonian Collection website. www.cottoniancollection.org.uk/main/education/index.cfm
Why not bring your class in for a fascinating visit to the gallery?
If you would like your class to be involved with developing new projects please access the website for more information or email us at museumeducation@plymouth.gov.uk.
Š Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery: Cottonian Collection
Exhibitions Upstairs
Archers shooting at a Herm engraved c.1770 by F. Bartolozzi after Michelangelo
COTTONIAN COLLECTION
ATRIUM GALLERY AND THE CHINA CONNECTION Our recently re-displayed atrium and balcony cases, and China Connection gallery allow you to see part of our large and significant decorative art collection.
ATRIUM GALLERY Exhibitions Upstairs
The galleries feature objects from around the world, including Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Closer to home, our large display of William Cookworthy porcelain was made in Plymouth, and was the first true porcelain to be made in this country. We also have excellent displays of modern ceramics and craft, some by internationally renowned makers like Bernard Leach, Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, while others are by local potteries and crafts people. These objects highlight the major role the South West has played in the UK’s decorative arts industry.
Workshop opportunities We can provide workshops based around creative writing, drawing and design to support your visit. Using the willow pattern as a basis, pupils can create their own ‘story plates’ to describe their journey to the museum - a cross curricular workshop encompassing art and design, geography and creative writing. The China Connection display has a strong link to world travel and the trading of goods across the world, and so is perfect for creative writing sessions.
VISITING WITH YOUR GROUP
VISITING WITH YOUR GROUP Inside
Artist-led workshops We can provide hands-on workshops led by practising artists focused on various aspects of the curriculum. Sessions are usually based around drawing in sketchbooks brought with you from school. These sessions are designed to stimulate and encourage those taking part, and can be cross-curricular in approach.
Self-guided visits We welcome independent visits by all organisations. Please book in advance so we can be sure that the galleries are available for your use. We recommend that teachers and group leaders make a visit to Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery in advance, for risk assessment and planning purposes.
Investigative visits Investigative visits are led by one of our team. Groups may wish to visit a particular exhibition from our regularly changing exhibition programme or choose to focus on some of the works which are on permanent display.
Managing your group While visiting Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, please remember that you are responsible for the care, behaviour and discipline of your group. We insist that adults accompany all young people of school age at all times during their visit.
Sketchbooks and source materials Key Stage 3, 4+5 and Further Education ALL GALLERIES
Our galleries are the perfect venue for the development of your student’s sketchbooks. Whether the course is fine art, photography, textiles, graphic design, applied arts or any other course where drawing is essential, your students can develop their sketchbooks creatively using the objects we have on display. We would be very happy to provide a member of staff to work with your students. Please book all group visits in advance. If your students wish to visit individually, they are more than welcome to use the galleries. Please ask your students to make themselves known to the reception desk.
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Resources for Teachers Our resources support both visits and classroom-based lessons. We aim to provide quality resources for each major exhibition we display. These resources are FREE to download from our website. Many of these resources relate to temporary exhibitions we have had on display in the past. Many of the ideas for activities can be used across different subject areas, and so these resources could be very useful for your classroom lessons. New resources appear throughout the year, so please bookmark the website below and check back for regular updates. Please visit www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk/museumlearningresources
VISITING THE SITES We also look after some historic buildings in Plymouth why not book a combined museum and historic site trip?
HISTORIC SITES Around the City
Smeaton’s Tower (main picture) Visit one of Plymouth’s most famous landmarks, learn about the different Eddystone lighthouses and see one of the best views in Europe. Are you brave enough to venture out on to the balcony? Merchant’s House (left) Visit this historic property for the Victorian Schoolroom with Mr Savage, and for the WWII Blitz experience.
Elizabethan House (top) Visit one of the oldest houses in Plymouth for an authentic Tudor and Elizabethan experience, including a fully refurbished kitchen and garden area. Plymouth and West Devon Records Office Connect with the past, present and future through the use of archival resources. Please contact pwdro@plymouth.gov.uk for more information.
MUSEUM IN TRANSIT IN YOUR SCHOOL Museum in Transit (MIT) is the museum’s core school education outreach service designed to create a unique, week-long event in your school.
MUSEUM IN TRANSIT Education and Outreach In School
We will bring displays, museum artefacts, replica items, images and costume to your school. Your pupils will be involved with the organisation and smooth running of the week as they take on responsibility for the display, some of the activities and their own research and learning. The week-long, timetabled event includes whole school assemblies, class sessions and research opportunities.
Our MIT visit is planned around a group of curriculum themes selected by you. Sessions cover a wide range of history, art and science themes. Skills based objectives are also addressed. The MIT week culminates in a museum-led presentation assembly where the whole school shares the learning discoveries made during the week. For schools interested in MIT for the first time, please contact us to book a 30 minute visit to one of your staff meetings. For schools booking a repeat visit by MIT, please try to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
CLASS OR YEAR GROUP VISITS We can also visit your school to enrich individual class or year group topics.
CLASS OR YEAR GROUP VISITS Education and Outreach In School
Sessions are based around museum artefacts and cover a wide range of history, art and science themes. Skills based objectives are also addressed. Having access to artefacts enables children to explore and investigate their topics in a unique way.
By holding a Roman period pot, a WWII blackout lantern, a crocodile skull or getting close up to a reproduction from our art collections, your pupils can gain a greater understanding of their topic, develop an enquiring mind and be inspired. Please contact us as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
BOOKING YOUR VISIT
To book a visit to the museum Please email museumvisits@plymouth.gov.uk
BOOKING Booking and planning
To book an outreach session for your school Please email mit@plymouth.gov.uk For any other education enquiries Please email museumeducation@plymouth.gov.uk Alternatively, please call 01752 304774
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
PLANNING Booking and planning
Advance booking is essential for all groups, for both taught and self-directed sessions. We recommend that you visit Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery prior to your group visit to familiarise yourself with the building, its layout and content, and to assist with your risk assessments and planning. A map of our location can be found at the back of this booklet.
Should your group require a wheelchair or level access, we can provide access to the ground floor from the rear of our main building on Tavistock Place. A lift providing access to our upper floor galleries is available from this entrance on request. A limited number of wheelchairs are also available on request should your group require them. We would be grateful if you could contact us in advance to let us know if you require these services, or let us know when you book your group in for a visit.
USE OF ART MATERIALS
“The children had this great awe and wonder in their eyes when they knew they were handling artefacts that were 1700 years old” Year 3+4 teacher, Oakwood Primary School
The dry art materials that can be used by selfdirected groups at our sites are:
Materials that we regret cannot be used by selfdirected groups are:
Graphite pencils Coloured pencils Drawing pens Compacted or hard charcoal pencils Enclosed or barrelled pencil sharpeners
Paints Charcoal Fixative spray Chalk pastels Bottles of ink Glue Craft knives Scissors We kindly ask that you adhere to these guidelines, as they are put in place to protect our collections for the future. Please note that the use of cameras is not permitted in the galleries without prior arrangement.
“EXCELLENT!” Year 9 teacher, Kingsbridge Community College
“Your education team are just brilliant at accommodating us and making our children feel important” Year 3 teacher, Hyde Park Junior School
“The students enjoyed the experience immensely and found it extremely useful to their studies” Lecturer, University of Plymouth