PLYMOUTH CITYMUSEUM ANDART GALLERY

PLYMOUTH CITY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERYDrake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AJ

t: 01752 304774e: museum@plymouth.gov.ukwww.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk

Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm(last entries at 5pm)

Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays10am to 5pm (last entries at 4.30pm)

VISITING US

Welcome 5

Exhibitions Downstairs 6 - 7Bringing the World to Plymouth 8 - 9Ancient Egypt 10 - 11Uncovered 12 - 13Plymouth: Port and Place 14 - 15Explore Nature 16 - 17

Exhibitions Upstairs 18 - 19The South Gallery 20 - 21Cottonian Collection 22 - 23Atrium and China Connection 24 - 25

Visiting with your group 26 - 27Sketchbooks 29Strictly Gallery X-Factor 30Resources 31Historic Sites 32 - 33

VISITING YOU

Museum in Transit 34 - 35Outreach visits 36 - 37

BOOKING AND PLANNING

Booking your visit 38 - 39Planning your visit 40 - 41

OTHER

Use of art materials 42Testimonials 43Map 46

HELLO!

WELCOME!This booklet contains information aboutPlymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’son-site and off-site provision for schools

and colleges, and the range ofeducational ideas and activities available.We are flexible in our approach to allactivities and our services are FREE.

Whatever you’re doing, contact us to seehow we could enrich your students

learning experience.

54

Text and images ©Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, 2009www.plymouth.gov.uk/museumschools

Text: Adam Milford and Rob Longworth

Design: David Tetley

6

Let us organisea lively gallery

tour for your classlooking at ournew 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?

EXHIBITIONSDownstairs

7

BRINGINGTHE WORLDTO PLYMOUTH

ExhibitionsDownstairs

8

BRINGING THE WORLD TO PLYMOUTHDiscover how objects from around the world have endedup in the Museum’s collections!

Weaving together the sights, sounds and stories from a varietyof world cultures, Bringing the World to Plymouth showcasesobjects such as ornaments, fabrics, costumes, vibrant beadworkand carvings from Africa, Asia and Oceania - many of whichhave never been displayed before.

Walk in the footsteps of some of the key collectors whohave donated items to the Museum. These include:

Gertrude Benham - an intrepid explorer who trekkedacross the world in the early 1900s.

Reverend Harry Moore Dauncey - who spentnearly 40 years living in Delena on the south coastof Papua New Guinea.

Reverend Sidney John Delight - who worked at thetheological college in Ningbo, China in the 1920s.

Workshop opportunitiesIf 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 realobjects, and sights and sounds from around the continent.We can also focus on Asia or Oceania, looking closely atthe amazing objects we have on display.

Sessions can be based around art and craft or creativewriting. There is a strong link to pattern, colour, use ofnatural materials and world travel in this gallery - perfectfor observational sketching and note making.

For Key Stage 3 groups and above, we can also offer ahands-on ‘Slavery and Abolition’ workshop to meet yourneeds if you are teaching the transatlantic slave trade.

9

10

ANCIENT EGYPT

ExhibitionsDownstairs

ANCIENT EGYPTTravel 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 findstatuettes, jewellery, mummified animals, other gravegoods and our mummy inner coffin, which came to theMuseum in 1919.

Guess which animal mummy is an ancient fake with ourx-ray interactive, and find out about gods and goddesseswith our magnetic puzzle. What better way to study anancient culture, than by seeing first hand the objects thatwould have been used in daily life?

The gallery is a must-see for your group.

Workshop opportunitiesUsing our extraordinary collection of artefacts, your classcan experience ancient Egyptian culture first-hand.

Your pupils will discover the facts and fiction surroundingthe ancient Egyptians, create drawings of the objects usingtheir observational skills, develop their presentation skillsby presenting facts ‘in the spotlight’, and explore theartefacts used day-to-day over 3000 years ago.

We can also provide sessions on ancient Egyptianportraiture. Pupils will discover how the human figurewas perceived and drawn, and then create their ownportrait using what they have learnt.

11

12

UNCOVERED

ExhibitionsDownstairs

When did people first arrive in the Plymouth area andwhat did they do when they got here? This is yourchance to discover what archaeologists think happenedin the distant past!

The gallery spans a time period that stretches fromprehistoric times through to the present and includesobjects from the Bronze and Iron Ages, the Romanand Medieval periods.

Interactive elements give you plenty of opportunity for yourpupils to be ‘hands on’. Travel back in time with ourstratigraphy interactive. Can they reconstruct a shatteredbowl like an archaeologist? What would they have lookedlike as a Roman?

Workshop opportunitiesThis gallery can support your study of Roman Britain,the ancient Greeks, the Bronze and Iron Ages, Medievalor Tudor Britain.

Starting with a piece of excavated broken pottery, yourpupils can become a museum officer for the day and tryto recreate the original shape of the vessel. With lots ofexamples on display from various geographical locationsand historical periods, this will challenge your pupils tothink about the design and purpose for different potteryfrom the past.

We can also support sessions looking at tessellation, usingour decorated medieval floor tiles for inspiration. Can yourpupils design their own medieval floor?

This gallery is also ideal for introducing chronology to yourpupils, allowing them to piece together history, and thinklike an archaeologist.

UNCOVEREDUnearth your ancient history with a gallery of treasuresshowing how archaeology can open a window on the pastand help us understand the place we live in today.

13

14

PLYMOUTH:PORT AND PLACE

ExhibitionsDownstairs

PLYMOUTH: PORT AND PLACENavigate your way through our chosen themes ofSafe Harbour, Town to City, Naval Port and Plymouth Journeys.

As you’re welcomed into the port, discover how the‘Three Towns’ of Stonehouse, Devonport and Suttonbecame one and explore how the sea, the military andcenturies of conflict have helped to shape modern Plymouth.

Also on display are some of Plymouth’s connections withthe ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ with CaptainRobert Falcon Scott’s skis back on show, as well asfascinating objects from the expedition.

This gallery also gives a flavour of some of the wonderfulhistoric photographs, prints, maps, documents and filmfootage preserved by the City with our Plymouth Picturedinteractive database.

Workshop opportunitiesThis gallery is great if you’re focusing on how Plymouthdeveloped as a city, famous local people, arrivals,departures and journeys, or anything else to do with thehistory of Plymouth.

Concentrating on the historic Eddystone lighthouses, yourpupils will be able to look at the changes to their designover the years, and try to design a lighthouse for thefuture. Why not combine a visit to this gallery with a tripto Smeaton’s Tower? Please see page 33 for more details.

We can also introduce you to some famous people thathave passed through Plymouth over the years, fromSir Francis Drake to Captain Cook, and look at whyPlymouth was a significant port for them.

15

16

EXPLORE NATURE

ExhibitionsDownstairs

EXPLORE NATUREInvestigate nature in our fun natural history gallery whichis packed full of fascinating facts and thrilling things.

See nature ‘Inside Out’, explore different ways of ‘UsingNature’, find out more about the variety of ‘Pattern andColour’ in the natural world, and discover why museumshave a history of ‘Collecting Nature’.

With feathers to feel, bugs to boggle at, pickled animals topeek at and old favourites like our hippo skull; this galleryis an interactive space that will engage your students withNatural History in a fun and informal way.

Workshop opportunitiesThis gallery is brilliant if you’re studying science or art.

Bring your sketchbooks along for a colour and pattern-themed session with us, looking closely at the amazinganimals, 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 skillsby presenting their findings to the class.

17

Details of our currentspecial exhibitions canbe found on our website;please check regularlyto avoid missing outAll exhibitions can be visited by school groups, please contact us for more information.

Special exhibitions are held in our North and Hurdle Galleries.

1918

EXHIBITIONSUpstairs

Our fine art collection includes around 750 paintings,3000 watercolours and drawings, over 5000 prints andsmall collections of sculpture and miniatures.

We hold significant collections from the 19th centuryNewlyn School, early 20th century Camden Town Groupand mid 20th century St Ives School. We also have a veryfine collection of maritime paintings, and a significantnumber of works that relate to the local landscape, bothin Plymouth and the surrounding areas.

Most work in the collection can be linked to landscape,travel, local industry and regional identity, and so couldform the basis for a school-based project.

We rotate the displays in this gallery regularly, so pleasecheck our website to find out what’s on at the moment.

Workshop opportunitiesWe can provide workshops based around expressivedrawing, different materials and techniques used by artists,exploration of line, working at different speeds and the useof colour that relate to the paintings on display.

This gallery is ideal for sketchbook development work forKey Stage 3, 4 and 5 pupils studying any creative arts-based course.

THE SOUTH GALLERYAre you looking for a theme or inspiration for an artproject at school? Look no further than the South Gallery!

THE SOUTH GALLERY

ExhibitionsUpstairs

2120

22 23

COTTONIAN COLLECTIONThe Cottonian Collection, assembled in the 18th centuryby Charles Rogers (1711 to 1784) includes thousandsof images dating between the 15th and 19th centuries,an invaluable resource for visual material.

Museum staff and local teachers have developed a varietyof Cottonian Collection education projects to supportcurriculum objectives utilising the unique imagerydepicted in the collection.

Why not bring your class in for a fascinating visit tothe gallery?

Teachers can access the images and project lessonplans from the education homepage of the CottonianCollection website.www.cottoniancollection.org.uk/main/education/index.cfm

If you would like your class to be involved with developingnew projects please access the website for more informationor email us at museumeducation@plymouth.gov.uk.

COTTONIAN COLLECTION

ExhibitionsUpstairs

ArchersshootingataHermengravedc.1770byF.BartolozziafterMichelangelo

©PlymouthCityMuseumandArtGallery:Cottonian

Collection

24 25

ATRIUM GALLERY ANDTHE CHINA CONNECTIONOur recently re-displayed atrium and balcony cases,and China Connection gallery allow you to see part ofour large and significant decorative art collection.

The galleries feature objects from around the world,including Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Closer to home,our large display of William Cookworthy porcelain wasmade in Plymouth, and was the first true porcelain to bemade in this country.

We also have excellent displays of modern ceramicsand craft, some by internationally renowned makers likeBernard Leach, Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, while othersare by local potteries and crafts people. These objectshighlight the major role the South West has played inthe UK’s decorative arts industry.

Workshop opportunitiesWe can provide workshops based around creative writing,drawing and design to support your visit.

Using the willow pattern as a basis, pupils can create theirown ‘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 worldtravel and the trading of goods across the world, and so isperfect for creative writing sessions.

ATRIUM GALLERY

ExhibitionsUpstairs

27

VISITING WITH YOUR GROUP

Artist-led workshopsWe can provide hands-on workshops led by practisingartists focused on various aspects of the curriculum.Sessions are usually based around drawing in sketchbooksbrought with you from school. These sessions are designedto stimulate and encourage those taking part, and can becross-curricular in approach.

Investigative visitsInvestigative visits are led by one of our team.Groups may wish to visit a particular exhibition fromour regularly changing exhibition programme or choose tofocus on some of the works which are on permanent display.

Self-guided visitsWe welcome independent visits by all organisations.Please book in advance so we can be sure that thegalleries are available for your use. We recommend thatteachers and group leaders make a visit to Plymouth CityMuseum and Art Gallery in advance, for risk assessmentand planning purposes.

Managing your groupWhile visiting Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery,please remember that you are responsible for the care,behaviour and discipline of your group. We insist thatadults accompany all young people of school age at alltimes during their visit.

26

VISITING WITHYOUR GROUP

Inside

28 29

Sketchbooks andsource materials

Key Stage 3, 4+5 and Further Education

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 theirsketchbooks 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.

ALLGALLERIES

31

STRICTLY

GALLERY

X-FACTOR

Split your gr

oup into jud

ges and con

testants -

and let them

compete fo

r the title of

Strictly Gall

ery X-Factor

champion!

We will pro

vide you wi

th score car

ds andinform

ation

abouthow t

o playthe ga

me with yo

ur group wh

en you

arrive. It is

up toyour p

upils as to w

hether the o

bjects

get a‘7’ fro

m Len, or a pe

rfect ‘10’ fr

om Simon!

30

Resourcesfor 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 belowand check back for regular updates.

Please visitwww.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk/museumlearningresources

Smeaton’s Tower (main picture)Visit one of Plymouth’s most famous landmarks, learnabout the different Eddystone lighthouses and see one ofthe best views in Europe. Are you brave enough to ventureout on to the balcony?

Merchant’s House (left)Visit this historic property for the Victorian Schoolroomwith Mr Savage, and for the WWII Blitz experience.

Elizabethan House (top)Visit one of the oldest houses in Plymouth for anauthentic Tudor and Elizabethan experience,including a fully refurbished kitchen and garden area.

Plymouth and West Devon Records OfficeConnect with the past, present and future throughthe use of archival resources. Please contactpwdro@plymouth.gov.uk for more information.

VISITING THE SITESWe also look after some historicbuildings in Plymouth -why not book a combinedmuseum and historic site trip?

3332

HISTORIC SITES

Around the City

34 35

We will bring displays, museum artefacts, replica items,images and costume to your school. Your pupils will beinvolved with the organisation and smooth running of theweek as they take on responsibility for the display, someof the activities and their own research and learning.

The week-long, timetabled event includes whole schoolassemblies, class sessions and research opportunities.

Our MIT visit is planned around a group of curriculumthemes selected by you. Sessions cover a wide range ofhistory, art and science themes. Skills based objectives arealso addressed. The MIT week culminates in a museum-ledpresentation assembly where the whole school shares thelearning discoveries made during the week.

For schools interested in MIT for the first time, pleasecontact us to book a 30 minute visit to one of your staffmeetings. For schools booking a repeat visit by MIT, pleasetry to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

MUSEUM IN TRANSIT IN YOUR SCHOOLMuseum in Transit (MIT) is the museum’s core schooleducation outreach service designed to create a unique,week-long event in your school.

MUSEUM IN TRANSIT

Education and OutreachIn School

36

CLASS OR YEAR GROUP VISITSWe can also visit your school to enrich individual class oryear group topics.

Sessions are based around museum artefacts and cover awide range of history, art and science themes. Skills basedobjectives are also addressed. Having access to artefactsenables children to explore and investigate their topics ina unique way.

By holding a Roman period pot, a WWII blackout lantern,a crocodile skull or getting close up to a reproductionfrom our art collections, your pupils can gain a greaterunderstanding of their topic, develop an enquiring mindand be inspired.

Please contact us as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

37

CLASS ORYEAR GROUP VISITS

Education and OutreachIn School

38

BOOKING YOUR VISIT

To book a visit to the museumPlease email museumvisits@plymouth.gov.uk

To book an outreach session for your schoolPlease email mit@plymouth.gov.uk

For any other education enquiriesPlease email museumeducation@plymouth.gov.uk

Alternatively, please call 01752 304774

39

BOOKING

Booking and planning

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Advance booking is essential for all groups, for both taughtand self-directed sessions. We recommend that you visitPlymouth City Museum and Art Gallery prior to your groupvisit to familiarise yourself with the building, its layout andcontent, and to assist with your risk assessments andplanning. A map of our location can be found at the backof this booklet.

Should your group require a wheelchair or level access,we can provide access to the ground floor from the rearof our main building on Tavistock Place. A lift providingaccess to our upper floor galleries is available from thisentrance on request. A limited number of wheelchairs arealso available on request should your group require them.We would be grateful if you could contact us in advanceto let us know if you require these services, or let usknow when you book your group in for a visit.

40 41

PLANNING

Booking and planning

The dry art materials that can be used by self-directed groups at our sites are:

Graphite pencilsColoured pencilsDrawing pensCompacted or hard charcoal pencilsEnclosed or barrelled pencil sharpeners

Materials that we regret cannot be used by self-directed groups are:

PaintsCharcoalFixative sprayChalk pastelsBottles of inkGlueCraft knivesScissors

We kindly ask that you adhere to theseguidelines, as they are put in place toprotect our collections for the future.

Please note that the use of cameras isnot permitted in the galleries withoutprior arrangement.

USE OF ART MATERIALS“The children had this greatawe and wonder in their eyes

when they knew they were handlingartefacts that were 1700 years old”

Year 3+4 teacher, Oakwood Primary School

“EXCELLENT!”Year 9 teacher, Kingsbridge Community College

“Your education team arejust brilliant at accommodating us andmaking our children feel important”

Year 3 teacher, Hyde Park Junior School

“The students enjoyed the experienceimmensely and found it extremely

useful to their studies”Lecturer, University of Plymouth

42 43