Night at the Museum 2010

Night at the Museum is a national campaign for late night opening that is run across the UK. It has comprised a wide range of activity from sleepovers, film nights, torch lit tours organised by local venues and linked together through this umbrella initiative to stimulate engagement, debate and joint promotion.

The Night at the Museum project ran over the weekend of 14-16 May 2010, with the aim of using the national campaign to support the Perspectives of Pennine Lancashire’s work in developing visual arts and heritage sites. The events were held at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Clitheroe Castle and Turton Tower.

Helmshore Textile Museum

In the "Devil Hole" in Helmshore Mills Textile Museum there lies asleep a six cylinder device called the Six Cylinder Devil due to its ferocity, power and potential to harm those who operated it. Artist, Jack Lockhart used projections, drawings and simple animations and projected movement onto the ‘beast’ producing a playful and exploratory art experience.

The light and sound installation in the Devil Hole animated the Six Cylinder Devil, so much so that one viewer questioned whether the machine was actually moving. Prior to the event staff said visitors bypassed the site without giving it much, or any attention at all.

“I thought the work was quite poignant… the sound and the images worked really well together. I would repeat this at somewhere like Queen Street Mill.” Susan, Area Manager

“It was fun and interesting and cool. I love it so much.” Sophie, aged 7

Clitheroe Castle

Alongside lead artist Chris Johnstone,visitors created skulls, fossils and bugs from clay and recycled junk to fill the chest of drawers in the study of the Curious Collector.

The event brought visitors to the museum, many of whom were unaware that the museum had been refurbished in the past 3 years and 96% of participants felt more inspired to visit Clitheroe Castle after their experience at the event.

“I didn’t realise that the Museum had been refurbished, it looks brilliant. Having the chance to contribute to the collection in some way is a great idea and I really quite enjoyed it.” Gail

“Inspirational and fantastic. Museums are alive!” Coral, aged 41

Turton Tower

Taking inspiration from the many windows and intricate Tudor woodwork, artist, Lucy Jones and visitors created stained-glass windows using recycled plastics.The activity enabled participants to illuminate and alter precious furniture and artefacts, allowing visitors to touch the untouchable and make their own fleeting mark on this amazing heritage site.

 

Turton Tower had one hundred and forty-nine visitors to the event and of them 60% of visitors had either never visited Turton Tower or had not visited in at least three years prior to the event.

“I’d never been to Turton Tower before today and I’m glad I came. There’s been something here for all. I would come back to see the rest.” Chris, 20

“A great fun end to a visit to the museum.” Ayesha aged 15