TALES OF THE DOWNS AND BEYOND…

Enjoy an early evening talk at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum
on a range of fascinating subjects relating to the local area.

A steeplejack’s unique view of the world, the experiences of a war artist, the art of dowsing, and award-winning wooden structures are just some of the engaging topics in a new series of early evening talks taking place between April and September 2008 at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton, near Chichester, West Sussex.

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum is England’s leading museum of historic buildings and traditional rural life, featuring over 45 original historic buildings which have been rescued and carefully reconstructed in beautiful parkland. The Museum’s research associate, Dr Danae Tankard, will give the first talk on 22nd April on how to research the history of a building, which offers a fascinating insight for anyone interested in uncovering the history of their own home or other building. Later talks include the geological curiosities of West Sussex; and the flora and fauna of West Dean, Kingley Vale and Chichester Harbour from local nature expert and popular columnist, Richard Williamson.

Many of the speakers have a long association with the Museum, including painter and course tutor Gordon Rushmer who will give an illustrated talk about his experiences as a war artist, and recently-retired Museum gardener Bob Holman, who will talk about his work in the creation and care of the Museums’ beautiful historic gardens. The Weald during the Second World War and secret plans for its armed resistance will be explored in July, and food historian Peter Brears will explore the English medieval Feast from planning and cooking, to participants and etiquette.

The Museum was presented with the prestigious Gold Wood Award in 2003 for its Downland Gridshell conservation workshop and artefact store, so it is fitting that the penultimate talk will explore this, and many other amazing British buildings that have won this coveted award.

The series will end in September with Kim Leslie giving a fascinating account of the early years of the Museum itself and the difficulties that had to be overcome to bring together the beautiful collection of buildings and rural life that can be seen today.

Talks begin at 6.30pm, last for about 1½ hours, and finish with light refreshments. There will plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion. Tickets cost £12.50, and discounts for groups are available (please enquire). Places are limited, so early booking is advisable.

For further information about any of the talks, along with booking forms Click here or telephone Diana Rowsell on 01243 811464 or courses@wealddown.co.uk

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The award-winning Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits and is designated by the Government for the outstanding importance of its collections. Exhibits include a medieval farmstead; a working watermill producing wholemeal stoneground flour; exhibitions focusing on traditional building techniques and agriculture; historic gardens, farm livestock and a working Tudor kitchen. The Museum runs a well-established programme of courses in building conservation and rural crafts.  There is a café which uses the Museum’s own flour and a shop with gifts and books on countryside and buildings themes.  The modern Downland Gridshell houses the Museum’s building conservation centre and artefact collection. There is a daily tour at 1.30pm when the Museum is open, and an appointments system for visits to the collections for research purposes.

NOTE TO EDITORS

Reporters and photographers are welcome at the Museum. For further information call the Museum information line on 01243 811348 or contact Cathy Clark, Marketing Officer

Tel: 01243 811014.
Fax: 01243 811475
Email: marketing@wealddown.co.uk.

We welcome journalists who wish to feature a course or talk in their publication at discounted rates. For further information please contact Diana Rowsell on 01243 811464.

Full details about the Museum and its activities can be found at www.wealddown.co.uk 

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