A recent visit to London allowed all of us to meet and catch up face to face. As we all have an interest in collections, we selected two small museums to visit with the aim of gathering inspiration for a new project. The first museum on our list saw us arrive at Dennis Severs House in Spitalfields (here).
Described as a 'still life drama' each room in the house has been carefully created to capture a moment in time. Each room offers a window on the life of various generations of Hugunot silk weavers - it is as if the occupants have just left the room".
it is an interesting experience. Unlike other museums, this is arranged so the visitors can wander through without any information boards or roped off areas. Gavin Stamp described Severs "as a true original, an artist of perverse genius who created a three dimensional historical novel out of bricks and mortar and timber and the objects he picked up for a song on countless stalls" (article here). Unfortunately no photography is allowed in the house.
Described as a 'still life drama' each room in the house has been carefully created to capture a moment in time. Each room offers a window on the life of various generations of Hugunot silk weavers - it is as if the occupants have just left the room".
it is an interesting experience. Unlike other museums, this is arranged so the visitors can wander through without any information boards or roped off areas. Gavin Stamp described Severs "as a true original, an artist of perverse genius who created a three dimensional historical novel out of bricks and mortar and timber and the objects he picked up for a song on countless stalls" (article here). Unfortunately no photography is allowed in the house.
Our second visit of the day took us to the Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garrett which was once part of St Thomas Hospital. St Thomas's is one of Londons oldest hospitals having been providing shelter and care since the twelfth century. Entered via a church tower, the narrow stone staircase spirals upwards, the visitor eventually arrives in an attic room. The Herb Garrett is a welcoming intriguing space. In the dark but carefully lit room an array of fascinating displays can be viewed. Alongside herbs and other medicinal paraphernalia, a collection of early medical instruments are also on show.
The Old Operating Theatre is a small room adjoining the Herb Garret. This is another historically interesting space. It is the oldest operating theatre in Europe and is frequently used in films and documentaries. (more info here)
The Old Operating Theatre is a small room adjoining the Herb Garret. This is another historically interesting space. It is the oldest operating theatre in Europe and is frequently used in films and documentaries. (more info here)
Our intention is to visit several other small museums over the summer before deciding on our next group project. Ideas are gently peculating so watch this space!
The Old Operating Theatre 1822
RSS Feed