Category: News
The British Library georeferencing website puts historic maps in their place
The British Library has found that the public appetite for interacting with maps - while contributing to cultural heritage collections - has proven insatiable. The Library holds nearly 4½ million atlas, maps, globes, and books on cartography, dating from the… Read more
Secrets of Roman Silver Uncovered After 90 Years
New technology has enabled archaeologists from National Museums Scotland to digitally reveal the true size and scale of a Roman plate, parts of which were buried in a silver hoard at Traprain Law more than 1500 years ago. Read more
Conservation Students – What do they even do?
Student Conservators @ Melbourne (SCM) is an association created and run by a small group of conservation students at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Through local involvement and social networking, the group looks to enhance students’ academic experience as well… Read more
What is the future for museums throughout Europe?
Twenty years ago, Friedrich Waidacher wrote in his publication “Handbook of Museology”: "Museums have a nearly insurmountable ability to survive. Hardly ever a museum ceases to exist, but many museums are founded."… Read more
What impacts will HLF’s next Strategic Framework have on the sector?
The Heritage Lottery Fund has been a major influence on the way we work within the heritage and museums sector in the 19 years since it was established. The funding body’s aims, its application system and guidance have set benchmarks… Read more
Disposing of Museum Collections – Should it stay or should it go?
In a recent edition of the Museums Journal, Maurice Davies ponders the need to define a USP for museums. As far as I’m concerned – and I’m sure I’m not alone in this – they already have one: their collections. Read more
Director of the NHM and Chair of the NMDC reviews 2012
2012 was undoubtedly a great year for showcasing UK culture to the world, and indeed to the people of the UK. It was the year the world watched as the UK unashamedly celebrated our social, political, scientific, technological, artistic and… Read more
Museum Marketing -Taking a risk
With museums nationwide facing increasing budget cuts and visitors reducing spend on leisure, arts marketing teams are finding that they can no longer rely on traditional methods alone to attract much needed audiences. Read more
Challenging times ahead for the country’s museums following the announcement of further cuts
Museums are very diverse beasts. There are very few dinosaurs left in the museum world (apart from in displays) but that does not mean that there is not an incredible range of business models. Some small independent, volunteer run museums… Read more
The online curiosity cabinet
For 15 years the National Trust’s Head of Collections Management, Philip Claris, has been working on an outstanding project: the digitisation of the Trust’s collections. This web-based treasure trove of art and history – from stuffed boxing squirrels to medieval… Read more
Designing the perfect exhibition
Based on my experience here at the Museum of London designing both permanent and temporary exhibitions here are my top 5 tips on the how to achieve the perfect design for the perfect project. Read more
Tourist industry: What’s in store for 2013?
What is the outlook for UK’s tourist industry in 2013? How will attractions around the country fare after a roller coaster of a year in 2012? And what are people’s holiday intentions – is the recession still the determining factor… Read more
INTRODUCING THE BIG INTERNET MUSEUM
When the Internet made its first appearance, Bob Dylan sang his famous lines ‘The Times They Are a-Changing’. Read more
Edutainment – Repeat Visitation
The drive towards a greater level of inclusion for the varied audience to the modern museum, gallery and visitor attraction has seen the marriage of the latest compelling entertainment content and technology combined into the educational medium to create what… Read more
The Brunel Institute – a national institution
The ss Great Britain was described as ‘the greatest experiment since the Creation’ when launched into the Bristol Floating Harbour on July 19th 1843. Read more
How to respond to and control incidents effectively in museums and archives
Prompt action is required when collections are damaged by fire or flood, to minimise further damage. Objects can become mouldy, distort, corrode, adhere and weaken in structure very quickly. Read more
Privileged access – the story of Hollywood Costume
Described as unique, groundbreaking, inspiring and intelligent, Hollywood Costume has captured the imagination of critics and visitors alike. Read more
Creating a better museum in financially challenging times
Ensuring that our museums continue to prosper in these difficult economic times is the major challenge facing the museum sector. One possible way forward for protecting museum’s in the future is through co-location and integration with other services to reduce… Read more
Changing the fortunes at Australia’s Museum of Contemporary Art
Towards the end of the 1990s, almost a decade after it opened to great acclaim, the MCA was facing financial difficulties, with the initial founder of the Museum, the University of Sydney (through a private bequest, the Power Bequest), reducing… Read more
Bold plans to re-open the California Tower after more than 75 years
The view from the California Tower at the San Diego Museum of Man is magnificent. Read more