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Your support makes all the difference.The list below provides more information about a selection of the Hidden Treasures events from across the country.
South of England
Oxfordshire County Council Museum Resource Centre
The Museums Resource Centre are allowing access to the stored textile collections. These collections are usually only seen by researchers and are difficult to bring out on our general open days. The collection consists of all manner of textiles reflecting life in Oxfordshire, from costume to samplers, smocks to shoes. Highlights include an 18th Century dress, concealed garments found in local buildings, 20th Century clothing, smocks and more. Visitors will get a chance to get up close to the historic items, and find out more about their makers, owners and the skills involved in their production. A member of staff will be on hand to give advice on the care of textile heirlooms
August 22nd, 5.30pm and 6pm
Greater London
Museum of Richmond
Access all areas during this fascinating behind the scenes tour of the Museum of Richmond with museum curator, Natascha Wintersinger. Discover how artefacts are stored, conserved and displayed in a small local history museum and examine some of those objects usually hidden from public view. The Museum of Richmond is an independent local history museum that celebrates the rich history of the London Borough of Richmond. Located in the Old Town Hall, in the heart of Richmond, the museum is home to a fascinating collection of artefacts, bringing to life the heritage of Richmond, Kew, Ham and Petersham from pre-historic times to present day
August 27th, 2 – 2.30pm / 2.30 – 3pm / 3 – 3.30pm / 3.30 – 4pm
North of England
Beamish Museum
The Resource Centre houses internationally important ‘Designated’ collections, including an extensive photographic archive, reference library and trade catalogues as well as diverse objects which range from curious pieces of folk art to mine rescue equipment, advertising enamels, elaborately decorated toilets and even a zebra! The Resource Centre opened in 2001 and was designed and built to provide state of the art storage for the Museum’s archive and object collections and allow public access to archive material and items not currently on display
August 23rd 3.30 – 5pm / August 24th 3.30 – 5pm
Bede’s World
If it’s more modern history that tickles your fancy come and explore the 18th century house, Jarrow Hall, before delving into the Georgian collection of paint boxes, needlework and daguerreotypes – another one you’re not familiar with? Join us to find our hidden treasures and see what it’s like to be a curator for the day
August 22nd 10.30am – 12 noon
Midlands
Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
Portrait of Joyce V by Peter Gross RBSA will be taken from the RBSA Permanent Collection and put on display during the Portrait Prize exhibition. Archive Team Volunteers Chloe Lund and Hang Nguyen will provide information about this intriguing work through an informal talk. There will be time for questions and a look around the Portrait Prize exhibition
August 24th, 2 – 4pm
Scotland
Edinburgh Museums and Gardens
Held in Reserve - The MCC houses reserve applied art, social history, childhood and archaeology collections belonging to Edinburgh Museums and Galleries Service (August 22nd, 10 – 11am / 2 – 3pm)
Out on the Town - Trips to the Palais? Tea dances at the Assembly Rooms? Or maybe a night at the pictures? Using items from our reserve collections, join our Outreach and Access Manager, Diana Morton, in a fun session that is sure to bring back loads of memories (August 22nd, 11am – 12 noon)
Looking after your valuables - A hands-on session exploring how best to care for a wide range of objects. Objects discussed will include photographs, furniture, silver and ceramics (August 22nd, 3 – 4pm)
St Bernard's Well - Designed by artist Alexander Nasmyth in 1789 and based on Sybil's Temple at Tivoli, St Bernard's Well has recently been restored as part of the Twelve Monuments project (August 26th, 12 noon – 3pm)
In the spotlight - Edinburgh Museums staff and guests will shine a spotlight on some of their favourite items not normally on display (August 27th, 11am – 4pm)
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