V o l u n t e e r i n g w i t h t h e p a s t t o c r e a t e a n e n j o y a b l e f u t u r e

Heritage Herald October 2011 (Issue 4)

Written by Volunteers for Volunteers

Welcome

& Thank You! A BIG thank you to all those who have contributed to the newsletter and you will see many of your articles that you have sent us featured in this newsletter and forthcoming issues so if you have sent us an article keep reading the newsletters.... Keep sending us your thoughts and ideas for future editions to Kevin our Heritage Volunteer Coordinator at kevin.delaney@hullcc.gov.uk or Vanessa Coordinator for the Volunteer Newsletter at vanessa.salter@hullcc.gov.uk Think Invigilation might not be for you? Then Read On… Heritage Volunteers involved in the very popular David Hockney exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery were asked to give a picture (sorry!) of their time with the painting.. I found invigilating at the “Bigger Trees Near Warter” exhibition interesting and

it gave me experience working with the public and also in museums. I worked at the Preview night and was proud to see David Hockney viewing his largest work and he and his tea, made good comments in both the installation and the gallery in general. The exhibition proved popular with not just visitors from Hull and East Riding, but also from Europe and I am sure the exhibition will be very popular in Bradford. I don’t have many complaints about working on the exhibition and I am sure other volunteers will enjoy working on it as well.

David Ideson, Heritage Volunteer David Hockney Bigger Trees Near Warter or/ou Peinture sur le Motif pour le Nouvel Age Post-Photographique, 2007 (detail) Oil on 50 Canvases (36 x 48"/ 918 x 1225mm each), © David Hockney Collection: Tate Gallery

Picture by Courtesy of the Yorkshire Post

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Since the opening of the David Hockney’s Exhibition, “Bigger Tree Near Warter” at the Ferens Art Gallery in Queen Victoria Square, Hull on 25th June 2011, I have been involved in plenty of invigilation. I have found it to be a fascinating experience and one which I have enjoyed doing very much. I have been a volunteer with Hull City Council’s Heritage Services since October 2010. A group of volunteers got together at the Streetlife Museum in Hull’s High Street, about a month or two before the painting opened here to discuss how we would invigilate. We all wrote on a large poster our names and what days and times we could do to watch over the painting and to talk to visitors about it. I opted to do full days as well as half days and to be quite honest, I have enjoyed every minute of doing it. I’ve enjoyed meeting paid members of the staff and members of the general public. One of the things I have enjoyed most about my invigilation of this painting is when members of the public have come up to me to ask questions about the painting, and also ask me for my opinion of it. I initially saw the painting in York Art Gallery in May this year, a group of us took a trip to York to view it for ourselves. It was displayed on a flat wall and it didn’t do anything for me when I saw it there. However, when I saw it in Ferens Art Gallery and it was on an angle (a special wall was built to accommodate it) and it had a good impression on me, because I saw it from a different point of view. Even David Hockney himself was impressed when he saw it on the preview night (24th June). The visitors were also impressed. The visitor attendance for York when the exhibition closed was 40,000. In Hull we have had over 60,000 visitors. We have had some people come to see it many times because they are fascinated by its scale and size. There were curtains up at each end or our gallery to protect it from moisture and we had to make sure that no photographs were taken of the painting. To conclude I am really pleased with my time of looking after the painting and I hope the staff of Cartwright Hall and the people of Bradford enjoy it as much as we have in Hull. Andrew Banks Shakesby, Heritage Volunteer ______________________________________________________________

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My Favourite thing …? Do you have a favourite object, display or painting in the museum that you would like to write about? Robert Gardham wrote about his favourite painting in the Ferens Art Gallery currently showing as part of the popular Francesca Woodman ARTIST ROOMS exhibition.

Percy Wyndham Lewis Mr Wyndham Lewis as a Tyro, 1920-21 Oil on Canvas © Wyndham Lewis Memorial Trust

Are you looking at me? Is he looking at you? The angular façade of Percy Wyndham Lewis in this portrait is mischievous, questioning, mocking and darkly witty all in one. Staring out from under the shadow of his hat the artist considers us in the guise of his own cartoon-like creation, a ‘Tyro’. Currently showing as part of the popular Francesca Woodman ARTIST ROOMS

exhibition, this painting’s usual home is the balcony gallery upstairs, where it hangs with other early 20th century masterpieces such as Meredith Frampton’s A Game of Patience, a painting shortlisted for the title of the Ferens’ Favourite Painting. Mr Wyndham Lewis as a Tyro has always been a favourite of my mine, and seems to have walked along hand-in-hand with my studies ever since college. I first learnt of the image during college during A-level Art, when I studied the Expressionists, and then later at university I studied this in more detail in a module on Austrian and German Art, covering the Weimar Republic, the Expressionists and the Futurists. Perhaps best known for being the founder of the avant garde art movement ‘Vorticism’, a term actually coined by Wyndham Lewis’ friend, the artist, Ezra Pound, was fascinated by the movements of Cubism and Futurism and sought to combine the two. Connecting the structure of the Cubists to the energy of the Futurists, he created and promoted a forceful but short-lived art movement, complete with his own manifesto and aesthetic. Vorticism was detailed and explored in the publication ‘Blast,’ which Wyndham Lewis edited. The ‘tyro’ depicted in this portrait was his own caricature commenting on the new spirit moving into the 20s. The gangster-like, grinning visage is reflective

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of the darkness permeating the interwar years; Wyndham Lewis was once named the greatest portraitist of all time by no less than Walter Sickert. Catch it now in the ARTIST ROOMS: Francesca Woodman, Ferens Art Gallery until October 23rd. Robert Gardham, Heritage Volunteer ______________________________________________________________ Painting  Trees  like Hockney – Children’s Workshops at Ferens Art Gallery Accompanying the Hockney exhibition, ‘Bigger Trees Near Warter’ were a series of children’s workshops and events at the Ferens Art Gallery. Danielle Stubbs, Heritage Volunteer wrote about her experience of helping children with their art activities.

 

Diary of Children’s workshops at Feren’s Art Gallery

Time Troopers: Tree’s a crowd! 20th August @ Ferens with James McGuire (Audience Development): For this session James gave me the task of creating and designing some trees sculptures and examples for this session. I was working on tree sculptures two weeks before the event. At first I thought making trees would be fairly easy and as I am an art student myself I thought I would easily come up with something, however I was very wrong. Making tree sculptures for children is not so easy as you think. With the limitations of materials making the trees are more complicated then you think. Only being

able to use prick stick glue and celotape is not as ideal as PVA glue. For over a week I filled my own living room with a good range of different tree sculptures some good and other’s not so good. The inside of my house could have been an image of David Hockney’s painting by the time I had finished. Having made some simple ones for the younger children and more detailed and difficult ones for the older children and parents I felt satisfied with my effort in tree making.

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I had taken a few trips to the museums office to gather more supplies in making my own trees; I tried and tested trees to see if they would work. Some

would not work, simply would fall and crash to the ground, others would take to long or where to complicated to complete. This would be dependent on the paper/card type, or other materials attached or the stand to keep the tree up. I needed to have step-by-step directions on the sheet of how to make the tree sculptures. This needed to be a simple but effective design so I had gone back to the drawing board a few times before having completed my final designs. Using a photocopier James had printed the design instructions/trees onto brown and white colour card. I prepared collage materials, tree colours and cut out leaf shapes prior to the event so the children could college their trees. To add a bit more jazz to their trees they could then have a pipe cleaner, which could be attached to the top of their tree to be able to carry it away with them. In the end I had a few different designs they could choose from

and cut out to make a tree sculpture, which could all be decorated as they wished with felt-tips, college, and so on. On the day it was a very successful event. The college materials were great, sticker ladybirds and flowers, and different colour paper. They could choose which design they wanted to make, a plain tree, a tree with flowers or a more difficult to cut out tree which was a branch tree (leafless). The parents helped with the decoration or created their own. The end results of decorated trees was brilliant the children really had got into the colourful decorations, some using there imaginations at great length by making a pirate tree and a tree with a tree monster. Adding spiders and ladybirds gave the trees a great effect. Other children would look to my own trees for inspiration and make there own mater piece tree. I had taken photos of the day to record the event, photos of the colourful trees and themselves holding their masterpieces proudly. Great effect to everyone who had came on the day.

 

 

 

 

 

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Finding Tree’s 26th August @ Ferens with Artist Iona Calvert: The session today was a very busy and messy event. It was suppose to be a photomontage and college of tree making. I was working along side the artist Iona Calvert who needed a hand in creating and setting

up the session.

She was running late and had not photos of trees so was left with only being able college and she had to prepare an example for the children on the spot as she

had nothing else. I also started on an example tree to show them. Iona made a stencil tree they could paint on top of their colleges. I had brought in some examples of trees from my last tree sculpture session and I was glad I did as Iona had no other examples to use. I photocopied one of my line drawings of a branch tree in two scales at A3 and A4 size. The children where then able to colour in and college the trees

and could add other trees around it. Or they could make their own. I placed scissors, college materials, glue and paint on the tables. We had PVA and paint so the room did get messy. I had taken pictures of the event and the processes of the children making and decorating their trees. At the end of the event we asked children to put their colleges on the wall so we could take a picture of them all together. As the David Hockney painting is about repletion of trees we tried to get this across to the children to make repettion in their drawings and colleges. At the end of the session it turned out well even though the start was a bit bumpy and we did not have enough paint pots or glue for everyone. If I were to do this session again I would make sure it was a more prepared and organised day and have more examples for the children. I have added the photos of the day’s event.

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Heritage Volunteers Induction Training Heritage Learning have developed an interesting Volunteer Induction Session which will give the volunteer an overview of the Heritage Service & will introduce you to all of the wonderful Heritage sites. The sessions will take place: September 29th 35, High Street [Sorry NOW FULLY BOOKED] & March 22nd 2012 at 35, High Street Places are limited so please register your interest asap. We will deliver further sessions periodically so don’t be disappointed if you miss this opportunity. Contact Kevin Delaney for details.

Volunteering Opportunities: There are various projects and venues that you can volunteer within the Heritage sector. If you are interested, just contact Kevin. Kevin Delaney Heritage Volunteer Co-coordinator 01482 613940 Helping at the History Centre

Venue: Hull History Centre

Opportunities: General office duties including stewarding for event as and when they take place.

Distribution of flyers

What we are looking for? Friendly and someone who enjoys meeting

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the public. An interest in history is desirable

Hours per week Flexible

Data support with Heritage Learning

Venue: Heritage Learning (35 High Street)

Opportunities: To check and input data into Outlook and transfer this information onto spreadsheets

What we are looking for? Previous data input experience IT experience, knowledge of spreadsheets and databases. Used to handling data & an interest in Museums & education

Essential Requirements: Able to input data accurately/Reliable & trustworthy/positive attitude/patient/good basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Hours per week 3-4 hours a week

For Our Freedom and Yours - Saturday 5th November 2011 - Sunday 15th January 2011

Venue: Hull Maritime Museum

Opportunities: Invigilation of exhibition at Maritime Museum. There is a chance of visitor engagement

What we are looking for? Interest in History, particularly Second World War and Free Polish Army's involvement (for future exhibition), Good customer skills.

Take enquiries (to be answered by curatorial staff)

Ability to stand/sit for an hour

Hours per week Need to be committed to regular slots of your own choosing over a period of 3 months

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Administration Assistance with Heritage Learning

Venue: Heritage Learning (35 High Street)

Opportunities: Copying and transferring of files between different media.

What we are looking for? Competent user of basic computer operations. Familiar with Microsoft office applications including Outlook.

Hours per week Hours to suit

Green Fingers at the Ferens?

Venue: Ferens Art gallery

Opportunities: Garden Maintenance of Sculpture Court at Ferens Art Gallery. The area is constantly covered with weeds and plant growth. Duties required are general weeding and trimming back of plant growth.

What we are looking for? General gardening/maintenance skills

Hours per week Weekly/Monthly – hours to suit

Seasonal support at Heritage Museums

Venue: All over the museum sites

Opportunities: Helping with family workshops over the school holidays throughout the year. Volunteers are wanted to help create activities, get material together and assist curatorial staff on the day.

What we are looking for? Likes working with children, creative and is friendly

Hours per week 2 hours per event plus an hour for preparing and cleaning up.

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Special Events Support

Venue: All over the museum sites

Opportunities: Helping special events such as the Christmas Event, Remembrance Day and Summer-themed events .

What we are looking for? Likes working with children, friendly and willing to dress up for the themed events (this is optional!)

Hours per week 1 day per event, up to 4 days a year

Seasonal Support at Hull History Centre

Venue: Hull History Centre

Opportunities: To research, develop and help deliver informal activities for families and adults over school holidays.

What we are looking for? Experience with working with children, creative and looking for musical ability (this is optional)

Hours per week 2 hours per week

More Green Fingers?

Venue: Large Museum Store

Opportunities: Garden Maintenance around the store. The area is constantly covered with weeds and plant growth. Duties required are general weeding and trimming back of plant growth.

What we are looking for? General gardening/maintenance skills. Volunteers need to supply equipment

Hours per week Weekly/Monthly – hours to suit

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Occasional support Spurn Lightship

Venue: Spurn Light Ship

Opportunities: To clean and prepare the Spurn Light Ship ready to open to the public ready for 21st July or around that time.

What we are looking for? Cleaning skills. Ability to work in confined spaces and be able to access and move around ships quarters and ladders.

Hours per week Flexible to suit

Christmas Time again!

Venue: Museum Quarter

Opportunities: Helping at the Victorian Christmas Event. A wonderful time to be had by All the family. Recreating a Victorian Christmas within an authentic historic setting. Dressing up, Punch & Judy & Santa Claus too!

What we are looking for? Likes working with children, friendly and willing to dress up for the themed events (this is optional!)

Hours per week 1 day event, Saturday December 3rd

Explaining the collections!

Venue: All Heritage Sites

Opportunities: We are developing tours & talks for families and adults over all of the Heritage sites. We can offer training and information you give that added personality.

What we are looking for? Enthusiastic people to deliver information about our collections and exhibitions to visitor groups.

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Hours per week Around 2 hours per week minimum.

Overgrown and in need of help!

Venue: Large Museum Store

Opportunities: Garden Maintenance around the store. The area is constantly covered with weeds and plant growth. Duties required are general weeding and trimming back of plant growth.

What we are looking for? General gardening/maintenance skills.

Hours per week Weekly/Monthly – hours to suit

Arctic Corsair

Venue: Arctic Corsair Trawler (Museum Quarter)

Opportunities: Tour guides and maintenance Volunteers.

What we are looking for? An interest in Hull’s great seagoing heritage and showing the public around this historic listed Vessel.

Hours per week Flexible to suit

Humber Archaeology Partnership ..comprises of two sections; The Humber Sites and Monuments Record & Humber Field Archaeology. They offer an annual Newsletter with information on all of the activities undertaken by the Partnership. It has a very informative notice-board feature giving details of talks and opportunities throughout the region. Any volunteers with an interest in archaeology or affiliated issues can subscribe or enquire at archaeologynews@hullcc.gov.uk or archaeology@hullcc.gov.uk

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Current Exhibitions and Events Ferens Art Gallery Bigger Trees Near Warter 25 June –18 September 2011 Artist Rooms: Francesca Woodman (1958-1981) 11 June – 23 October 2011 Landscapes: from the permanent collection September 27th – January 8th 2012 Dove House Hospice are having an exhibition of paintings by many of their supporters. This will be held in the foyer of the Live Arts Space, Ferens Art Gallery November 9th – December 14th. All proceeds from the exhibition will go to the Charity. (This is a Heritage Volunteer supported exhibition) Streetlife Museum Precious Cargo 3 September –December 2011

Events and Activities

We urgently need volunteers for: Remembrance weekend Streetlife Museum, - Saturday 12th November supporting family activities and events. Victorian Christmas, Museum Quarter, December 3rd Supporting family activities and events Both events take place at Streetlife Museum and Museum Quarter & duties will include stewarding and information providers. Junior Open Exhibition: Ferens Art Gallery, December 3rd Assisting the visitors to this popular exhibition.

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For those interested in Tours & Talks.. There is a training session arranged for October 20th for Object and Exhibition Explainers. Engaging with the visitor and explaining some of our interesting artefacts from the collection. Contact Kevin for a place.

Hull City Council’s Events Team … There are always things happening in Hull & if you would like more information or would like to get involved as a volunteer contact: Jenny Havler on 01482 612022 or jennifer.havler@hullcc.gov.uk for more details.

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