At a time when there is much discussion about artificial intelligence replacing people, museums are especially aware of the need to preserve heritage skills. Skilled tradespeople, including bricklayers and stonemasons, are in short supply, while creativity deserves to be valued for the achievement, confidence and perseverance it can inspire.
Handmade and carefully chosen gifts can be treasured for generations. Historic objects also invite questions about who made them and how they were used. Examples in Tuxford’s museums include a wicker flower seller’s cart, bath chairs and baskets from Africa. Natural materials such as willow remain remarkably versatile, with uses ranging from basket-making to cricket bats. The Walks of Life Museum is holding a willow workshop with Sid on Thursday 22nd October from 10.00am to 12.00pm. Participants can make a dragonfly or heart and perhaps discover a new hobby. The workshop costs £20.00 and advance booking is essential because places are limited.
To book, contact Diane on 01777 872776 or email dianehunt08@btinternet.com. The Museum of the Horse recently held its first international conference, welcoming visitors from America, Germany and Scotland. The speakers were warmly received and everyone enjoyed the day. The Side Saddle exhibition proved so popular that, at the request of the chair of the Side Saddle Association, it will remain open until Christmas. A recent addition is an Austrian stock saddle. The Society of Equestrian Artists’ annual exhibition is also proving popular, and the museum’s new Christmas cards, featuring animals and the countryside, will soon be on display. Orders are received from across the world.
Contact the Museum of the Horse via 01777 838234 or curator@museumofthehorse.co.uk. It is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.00pm, and Saturday, 9.30am to 1.30pm.
The Walks of Life Museum is open Thursday and Saturday, 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Both museums can open for groups on other days by prior arrangement.