Our Favourite Museums & Galleries
Working in a heritage consultancy comes with the wonderful opportunity of experiencing a wide range of different heritage organisations all across the East Midlands, so we asked a few of our team which they liked best – here are their favourites!
Lisa, Heritage Assistant:
“My favourite heritage site would have to be Chatsworth. They are hugely public/visitor focused, everything they do is to engage with you, inside and out. The setting is beautiful and something for everyone, and every budget, from walking in the grounds to the superb art collections inside the house.”
Ellen, Heritage Assistant:
“I think that my favourite heritage site has to be Fountains Abbey, in North Yorkshire – it’s got something for everyone and is the perfect day out. They’ve just done some redevelopment to some of the information areas, and made it really informative for everyone, regardless of age. The ruins themselves are amazing – I’m always blown away by the size and scale of the Abbey itself. Add to that the many different walks around the area, and the amazing gardens, and it’s a great day out!”
Hollie, Head of Projects:
“Cragside House in Northumberland. It was the first building powered by hydroelectricity, and was the home of Lord Armstrong, who was fascinated by electric for his whole life. It’s a beautiful place, surrounded by amazing gardens, and I never get tired of it!”
Natasha, Heritage Assistant:
“My favourite heritage organisation in the East Midlands is the National Justice Museum. The reason for this is that they have a fascinating collection and the building itself is an amazing space with a long history. I also think that their educational facilities are great as they engage students from diverse backgrounds. I volunteered as an Associate for Creative Court UK, which was an outreach project in schools in diverse/vulnerable areas around Nottinghamshire. During the project, we helped pupils to discuss and explore ideas about the law and British values, e.g. democracy and tolerance. The educational activities within the museum itself also encourage students to think about such issues. Overall, I think the museum is really interesting and that it provides high-quality interpretation and educational facilities for visitors.”
Amy, Heritage Assistant:
“My personal favourite is the National Videogame Arcade. As someone with an interest in researching the ways video games can interact with museums, and as a gamer myself, I find the NVA a really interesting example not only of the value of collecting video games but of the many ways a heritage institution can use them – as the basis of exhibitions, as interactive exhibits, as teaching tools, and as a way to engage people across generations. I also find it interesting that museums are beginning to recognise this sort of media as a form of digital heritage in and of itself and of the value in collecting it. Other than that, the Brewhouse Yard Museum will always hold a place in my heart. It is part of Nottingham City Galleries and Museums, situated just below the castle and is entirely maintained by volunteers. I really enjoyed my stint volunteering there a few years ago.”
So, a whole range of different sites from all over the country! What’s your favourite heritage site?
By Ellen Smithies
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