WHAT’S ONJANUARY - JUNE 2017

2

BRAINTREE DISTRICT MUSEUM

FOLLOW US ONLINEKeep up to date with the latest news,

events, exhibitions and offers.

@museumbraintree

@museumbraintree

braintreemuseum.co.uk

MUSEUM ADMISSIONAdult £4

Concession £3 Child £2 (under 5’s free)

3

BRAINTREE DISTRICT MUSEUM IN 2017Our programme of exhibitions, creative activities, expert talks and walks are guaranteed to satisfy your passion for Braintree and its history.

From January 2017 we will be launching two new events at the Museum. The first is “Memory Archive Day” where we will be reaching out to you! We will be inviting everyone with a story, memory and objects relating to themed days to join us so we can record them for the Museum Collection. Our second new event will be “Walk & Talk” a selection of themed walks through Braintree. Both these events will become regular features in our programme.

In addition to our exhibition and events program we also offer:

• Adult Group Visits • Education sessions for schools and other groups • Outreach talks

Most of our events are free with admission charge. The Friends of Braintree District Museum will still have free admission to the Museum, but will be charged the appropriate admission rate for events.

Special events incur higher costs and will be individually priced.

THE FRIENDS OF BRAINTREE DISTRICT MUSEUM

The Friends are a registered charity that support and promote the work and activities of the Museum and the Warner Textile Archive. If you have any enquiries please contact the Chairman, Mrs Jean Harrison by telephone on 01376 324302

4

TEA AND TALK: SCANDAL & SUGAR BEET – THE BISHOPS STORTFORD TO BRAINTREE RAILWAY TUESDAY 24 JANUARY 3:00pm - 4:00pmAuthor David Gridley gives an insight into writing his book ‘Lost and Found – How the Bishops Stortford to Braintree Railway line changed rural Essex’. His two-day walk along the old disused railway uncovered not only the stations that remain but also the origins in the 1860s of the old branch line.

Tickets: FREE with admission charge (includes refreshments) Community Transport is available on 01376 557883 BOOKING ESSENTIAL

FAMILY SATURDAYS: BIRD WATCH DAY

SATURDAY 14 JANUARY 10:00am - 4:00pmWe are joining in with this year’s Big Bird Watch. So come down to the Museum for fun activities and crafts about

birds you might spot in Braintree.

These sessions are self-led with materials and instructions provided. No booking required.

Tickets: FREE with admission charge

JANUARY

5

Braintree District Museum, Manor Street, Braintree CM7 3HW T: 01376 325266 W: www.braintreemuseum.co.ukOpen Tuesday - Saturday 10am until 4pmAdmission charge applies

NEW EXHIBITION

There’s always “something Doing”

at BRAINTREE

POSTCARDS, POSTERS & PORCELAIN 8 OCTOBER 2016 - 14 JANUARY 2017

SPECIAL EVENT: MAGIC UP CLOSE FRIDAY 27 JANUARY 7:30pm - 9:30pmEver wanted to know how a magic trick is done? Come along to the Museum and find out for yourself. Be prepared to be amazed by Dean Jones and his fellow magicians.

Tickets: £10 BOOKING ESSENTIAL

6

NEW EXHIBITION: LIFE IN AN ENGLISH VILLAGE SATURDAY 28 JANUARY – 15 APRIL 2017 Open 10am - 4pm Tuesday - SaturdayAn exhibition of prints and drawings by the Bardfield Artists who lived in this North Essex village from the 1930s. The exhibition will feature original black and white sketches by Edward Bawden in ‘Life in an English Village’ published in 1949 by King Penguin, last on public display 20 years ago. Local topographical prints will also be on display by Edward Bawden, as well as other artists including John Aldridge, Sheila Robinson, Michael Rothenstein, Walter Hoyle, George Chapman, Richard Bawden and Linda Richardson, who were all inspired by the landscape surrounding this North Essex village.

7

Braintree District Museum, Manor Street, Braintree CM7 3HW T: 01376 325266 W: www.braintreemuseum.co.ukOpen Tuesday - Saturday 10am until 4pmAdmission charge applies

28 JANUARY - 15 APRIL 2017

LIFE IN AN

ENGLISH VILLAGE

NEW EXHIBITION

An exhibition of prints and drawings

by the internationally famous

Bardfield Artists.

Including

original 1940s

black and white

sketches by

Edward Bawden,

unseen for 20 years

8

FEBRUARYFRIENDS TALK: TIMEFRAME WITH DAVID STUBBS FRIDAY 3 FEBRUARY 7:30pmJoin the Friends for their annual film show including a nostalgic journey back into local history with the Nick Williamson Collection.

Part of the Friends of Braintree District Museum series of talks.

Tickets: £2 voluntary donation

FAMILY SATURDAYS: MAGICAL STORYTELLING

SATURDAY 4 FEBRUARY 10:00am - 4:00pmJoin us at the Museum for a truly magical story telling day as part of Storytelling Week. Our resident magician will be bringing classic fairytales to life through magic! There will

be other fun activities inspired by our favourite stories.

THIS EVENT IS TIME SLOTTED SO BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL

11:00am – 11.45am

12:00pm – 12.45pm

2:00pm – 2.45pm

Tickets £5 per child

9

SPECIAL EVENT: BOOK LAUNCH ‘GREAT BARDFIELD SHOWS BEAUTIFUL THINGS’ BY JANET DYSON MONDAY 6 FEBRUARY 6:30pm - 8:00pmMuch has been written about the artists who lived in the village of Great Bardfield between 1930 and the late 1950s. The intention for this book is not to rewrite their story, but to set them in the context of the story of Great Bardfield, to explore how they were perceived by the village community and to identify their legacy for the village.

Tickets: Donations welcome

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

MEMORY ARCHIVE DAY: AMERICANS IN BRAINTREE TUESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2:30pm - 4:00pmCalling all locals! Do you remember the Americans in Braintree after WWII? Do you have fascinating memories and stories or objects relating to this time in Braintree? Then please join us at the Museum for an afternoon down memory lane with objects and images from our Collection. Your memories will be recorded and become part of the Museum’s Collection.

Tickets: FREE with admission (includes refreshments) Community Transport is available on 01376 557883

SPECIAL GUEST

GRAYSON PERRY

10

HALF TERM HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES:

GET ARTY! 14 FEBRUARY – 18 FERUARY

TUESDAY TO FRIDAY - 11:00am - 1:00pmFREE with admission charge

Calling all aspiring artists! Be inspired by our Bardfield Artists Exhibition and develop your skills and learn new techniques with our engaging art and craft workshops.

Discover how to paint using natural materials, block paint and much more!

BOOKING ESSENTIALChildren £2 (FREE for under 5’s)

For full details of each workshop please visit our website and check our social media pages nearer the

time.

Activities are aimed at 5 to 10 year olds Under 5’s welcome but must be accompanied

Accompanying adults will be charged concession rates (£3)

11

SPECIAL EVENT: GUITAR MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD WITH IAN KELLEHER FRIDAY 24 FEBRUARY 7:30pm - 9:30pmBack by popular demand! Ian Kelleher will be bringing back his beautiful acoustic guitar, this time indulging us with sounds from around the world. His concert will include music by Villa-Lobos (Brazil), Sor (Spain), Walton (England), Gow (Scotland), Yocoh (Japan), Pujol (Argentina), Brouwer (Cuba) and other musical delights.

Tickets: £12 (includes refreshments)

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

TEA AND TALK: BEHIND THE SCENES – THE ARTISTS OF GREAT BARDFIELD TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 3:00pm - 4:00pmAuthor and local historian, Janet Dyson takes a look at the lives of the artists as they worked and lived in the village of Great Bardfield.

Tickets: FREE with admission (includes refreshments) Community Transport is available on 01376 557883

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

12

MARCHFRIENDS TALK: MY LIFE AS A MAGISTRATE WITH DAWN ROCHE FRIDAY 3 MARCH 7:30pmThis talk will be an explanation of the history of Magistrates, their role in the Justice system, how they sentence and bail.Part of the Friends of Braintree District Museum series of talks.Tickets: £2 voluntary donation

SPECIAL EVENT: NICK WILLIAMSON FILM SHOW – IT’S THE 1980’S TUESDAY 7 MARCH 3:00pm - 5:00pmNick Williamson lived in London Road, Braintree and was a prolific amateur film maker. Between 1957 and 1987 he used an 8mm camera to film the changing historic townscape and events in Braintree. We have started a project to digitize his collection so, why not come and see some fantastic footage from the 1980’s showing the demolition of Courtaulds, the building of Towerlands and changes to the town centre shops.The last 10 minutes of the "It’s 1979" film show not shown in November 2016 will be shown before the main film show.Tickets: £3.00

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

13

SHOWTIME!: RITA & RAY – VERA LYNN 100 TUESDAY 14 MARCH 1.30pm - 4:00pmHer songs brought hope to millions of people during the darkest days of WWII. Now, as she approaches the age of 100, come and join us in celebrating the birthday of the forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn. The very popular Rita and Ray will be singing her world famous songs.

Tickets: £10.00 (includes refreshment) Community Transport is available on 01376 557883

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

SPECIAL EVENT: MACBETH – A ONE MAN SHOW FRIDAY 17 MARCH 7:30pm - 9:30pmWeaving together the original text with a rich, evocative narrative Simon Floyd presents his acclaimed ‘MacBeth One Man Show’ – Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy in 70 minutes of gripping, physically charged story telling. A must see!Tickets: £10.00

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

14

FAMILY SATURDAYS: MOTHERS' DAY CRAFTS & POETRY SATURDAY 25 MARCH 10:00am - 4:00pmA fitting end to Shakespeare week and on the day before

Mothers’ Day, why not join us at the Museum for card making crafts and poetry fun and be inspired by the Bard to

write a Mothers’ Day poem?

This is a self-led activity – materials and instructions will be available in the galleries.

Tickets: FREE with admission charge

TEA AND TALK: WORKING AND LIVING WITH EDWARD BAWDEN IN THE 1960’S TUESDAY 28 MARCH 3:00pm - 4:00pmDirector and designer, Peter Avery worked with Edward Bawden on four murals for Hull University and the whole edition of the print Pagoda at Kew. He lived and worked in Bawden’s home, Brick House in the village of Great Bardfield and will give a unique insight into his time with this well-known Braintree born artist.Tickets: FREE with admission charge (includes refreshments) Community Transport is available on 01376 557883

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

15

NEW EXHIBITION: FOLLOWING A THREAD…

22 APRIL - 24 JUNE 2017 Open 10am - 4pm Tuesday - SaturdayE.A.S.T. (East Anglian Stitch Textiles) is delighted to

present “Following a Thread...” their new exhibition at Braintree District Museum.

What makes this group’s work special is their success in combining a range of exciting

techniques with thought provoking themes. The seemingly endless range of textile media ensures

that this exhibition will contain not only a diversity of ideas, but also a wide range of materials and

skills utilised to produce inspiring pieces of work. As a result an E.A.S.T. exhibition evokes powerful reactions from its audience. You will be inspired.

E.A.S.T. exhibitions originate at Braintree District Museum, where the Group meets and then move

on to other venues around the country.

APRIL

16

MEMORY ARCHIVE DAY: BRAINTREE IN THE 60’S TUESDAY 4 APRIL 2:30pm - 4:00pmCalling all locals! Do you remember the 1960’s in Braintree? Do you have fascinating memories and stories to tell or have objects relating to this time in Braintree to show us? Then please join us at the Museum for an afternoon down memory lane with objects and images from our Collection. Your memories can be recorded and become a part of the Museum’s Collection.Tickets: FREE with admission (includes refreshments)Community Transport is available on 01376 557883

FRIENDS TALK: A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT BUILDING CONSERVATION WITH IAN HUME FRIDAY 7 APRIL 7:30pmJoin the Friends for a talk about building conservation, including some odd, testing and often amusing moments whilst working with historic buildings.Part of the Friends of Braintree District Museum series of talks.

Tickets: £2 voluntary donation

17

EASTER HOLIDAYS: TUESDAY TO FRIDAY: 11:00am – 1:00pm

FREE with admission chargeWEEK 1: 11TH – 15TH APRIL

GO WILD WILDLIFE!Go wild with our interactive craft activities! Take part in

our themed Easter egg hunt, learn how to make your own bug hotel and get the opportunity to handle live

animals with our petting zoo.

WEEK 2: 18TH – 22ND APRIL SPRING IN THE MUSEUM GARDENCome and get your hands dirty with our garden

themed craft activities including garden mosaics and wind chimes.

BOOKING ESSENTIALTickets: Children £2 (FREE for under 5’s)

For full details of each workshop please visit our website and check our social media pages nearer the time.

Activities are aimed at 5 to 10 year olds. Under 5’s welcome but must be accompanied.

Accompanying adults will be charged £3.

WE ARE OPEN

GOOD FRIDAY 10:00am - 4:00pm

18

TEA AND TALK: THE GRAND OLD MAN OF BRAINTREE – GEORGE BARTRAM TUESDAY 25 APRIL 3:00pm - 4:00pmGeorge Bartram, O.B.E., gunmaker, local businessman, generous benefactor, public figure, Councillor and Chairman influenced the political landscape of Braintree and Bocking from the 1870s to World War Two. Come and hear his closest living relative, David Watson, tell the story of this fascinating local figure.Tickets: FREE with admission (includes refreshments)Community Transport is available on 01376 557883BOOKING ESSENTIAL

SPECIAL EVENT: SOLO CELLO CONCERT WITH CHARLES ELLIS FRIDAY 28 APRIL 7:30pm - 9:30pmFollowing last year’s wonderful duet concert with guitarist Ian Kelleher, cellist Charles Ellis will perform a solo concert with works by Cassado Solo Cello Sonata, the Solo Cello Suite by R. Caroline Bosanquet and J.S. Bach.Tickets: £12

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

19

FRIENDS TALK: A COPPER’S GUIDE TO THE DARK SECRETS OF LONDON SQUARES WITH GARY POWELL FRIDAY 5 MAY 7:30pmGary will talk about his life as a London copper and some of his experiences. The diverse talk ranges from London’s notorious slum landlords to the origins of “Albert Square”.Part of the Friends of Braintree District Museum series of talks.Tickets: £2 voluntary donation

WALK AND TALK: BRAINTREE TOWN CENTRE WITH MIKE BARDELL TUESDAY 9 MAY 10:30am START AT THE MUSEUMA walk around Braintree Town Centre with local historian Mike Bardell looking at the origin of some of the historic buildings we frequently pass and Courtauld benefactions left to the Town.Tickets: £4.00 Please wear comfortable shoes.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

MAY

20

SPECIAL EVENT: BRAINTREE

TEXTILE FAIR 2017

SUNDAY 7 MAY 10:00am - 4:00pm

The Warner Textile Archive’s annual Textile Fair brings together a diverse group of textile specialists, designers and crafts people. There

will be tours, demonstrations, talks and activities taking place across three historic

venues in Braintree.

MUSEUM PROGRAMME: TALKS

DROP IN WORKSHOPS MASTERCLASSES

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIESTickets: £6 in advance or £7 on the day

See warnertextilearchive.co.uk for full details of the day

21

MUSEUM FUNDRAISER: QUIZ NIGHT FRIDAY 12 MAY 7:30pm - 9:30pmJoin our expert quiz master for a great evening of general knowledge questions. All funds raised will go towards supporting the running and upkeep of the Museum.Tickets: £5 Bring your own refreshmentsBOOKING ESSENTIAL

SHOWTIME!: SWINGING 50’S & 60’S WITH BRIAN SHAW TUESDAY 16 MAY 1.30pm - 4:00pmThe ever popular Brian Shaw will be playing the best from Sinatra to Elvis to get us all swinging and singing along. We will also host the popular raffle with all funds raised going towards supporting the Museum.Tickets: £10.00 (includes refreshments) Community Transport is available on 01376 557883

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

FAMILY SATURDAYS: TEXTILE PRINTING

SATURDAY 27 MAY 10:00am - 4:00pmLearn a range of simple printing techniques before creating

your own unique t-shirt or fabric to take home with you!

Tickets: FREE with admission chargeBOOKING ESSENTIAL

22

JUNEFRIENDS TALK: QUEEN ELIZABETH 1ST SLEPT HERE WITH WENDY BARNES FRIDAY 2 JUNE 7:30pmSome 26 East Anglian gentlemen played host to the Queen during the summer of 1578. Hear about her servants, the baggage and the influence this had on the county and the people.Part of the Friends of Braintree District Museum series of talks.Tickets: £2 voluntary donation

SPECIAL EVENT: GIN TASTING FRIDAY 16 JUNE 7.30pm - 9.30pmJoin the Museum and Witham gin distillery Haymans for an enjoyable evening of gin tasting. Hosted in our atmospheric Victorian Schoolroom you will have the opportunity to taste all five of Haymans gins and the chance to purchase your favourites at the end of the night. Why not treat Dad to an early Fathers’ Day present with this unique experience!

Tickets: £10.00

FAMILY SATURDAYS: SCHOOL PLAYGROUND GAMES

SATURDAY 10 JUNE 10:00am - 4:00pmCome and join us for some traditional and historical school playground games and activities. A wonderful way to end

National School Playground Week.Tickets: FREE with admission charge

23

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

WALK AND TALK: BRADFORD STREET TUESDAY 20 JUNE 10:30am START AT GATES OF PUBLIC GARDENSHistoric buildings expert, David Andrews, will be exploring the history of the buildings and inhabitants that have lived along Bradford Street, Bocking. Meet at the gates of the public gardens at 10.30am for a stroll along this fascinating street.Tickets: £4.00 Please wear comfortable shoes.BOOKING ESSENTIAL

MEMORY ARCHIVE DAY: BRAINTREE IN THE 70’S & 80’S TUESDAY 27 JUNE 2:30pm - 4:00pmCalling all locals! Do you remember the 70’s and 80’s in Braintree? Do you have fascinating memories and stories to tell or have objects relating to this time in Braintree to share? Then please join us at the Museum for an afternoon down memory lane with objects and images from our Collection. Your memory will be recorded and become a part of the Museum’s Collection.Tickets: FREE with admission charge (includes refreshments)Community Transport is available on 01376 557883

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

ADMISSIONAdults £4

Concessions £3 Children £2 (under 5’s FREE)

OPENING TIMESTuesdays – Saturdays

10am – 4pm

THE MUSEUM SHOPThe shop sells a range of local products, unique gifts, cards,

books and children’s toys.

ACCESSIBILITYWe are fully accessible to

wheelchair users. Please call 01376 328868 to find out about

the services and facilities we provide that may help you

during your visit.

CONTACT US01376 328868

info@braintreemuseum.co.ukBraintree District Museum Manor Street, Braintree,

Essex CM7 3HW.

BRAINTREE

COGGESHALL ROAD B1256

MANOR STREET

Library

CarPark

Bus &Coach Park

VICTORIA STREET

RAIL

WAY

STRE

ET

SOUTH STREETST MICHAELS ROAD

LON

DO

NRD

.

PIERREFITTEW

AY

MARKETPLACE

HIGH

STRE

ET

(no

thro

ugh

road

)

RailwayStation

ToColchesterA120 andA131

George YardShoppingPrecinct

& Car Park

To A120By-PassStanstedChelmsfordLondonColchester

BraintreeDistrict

Museum& Café

WarnerTextileArchive

CoachDrop-off

Point

DISCOVER BRAINTREE DISTRICT MUSEUMHoused in a former Victorian school dating back to 1862, the Museum’s main galleries tell the history of the district from

prehistoric times through to the key local industries of the 20th century. Explore our popular Victorian Classroom retained from the old School and our Exhibition Gallery hosting our rotating

exhibition programme as outlined in this guide.