ACADEMICS HELP MUSEUM GO BACK TO THE FUTURE
University
of Reading and Open Air Museum join forces for unique project
Although they are perhaps not the most obvious academic partners, the
University of Reading’s History and Cybernetics Departments are
collaborating on a unique project to develop a state-of-the-art
interactive visitor centre at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum near
Chichester, West Sussex.
The
museum, whose outstanding collections are designated by the government as
being of national importance, is home to nearly 50 historic English
buildings dating from the 13th to the 19th century. This new and
innovative ‘Knowledge Transfer Partnership’ between The University of
Reading and the Weald and Downland will consolidate its position in the
premier league of museums in the country.
The
main goal of the project is to create a sophisticated ‘visitor orientation
gallery’ at the museum, using the latest interactive technology to supply
visitors with the most up-to-date research and historical information
relating to the museum’s collections.
Two
graduates from the University – one from History and one from Cybernetics
– will work on the project, which is due to be completed in 2007. The
historian will collate the historical data, whilst the cyberneticist will
work on the technological innovations.
The
Reading
graduates will be supervised by Dr Will Browne, of the Department of
Cybernetics, and Dr Margaret Yates, of the
School
of History. “This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever worked
on,” said Dr Yates. “Firstly, it demonstrates history’s ongoing relevance
in the world of work. Secondly, it proves that, with a bit of creative
thought, academics from different disciplines can work together to come up
with stimulating new ideas.”
Richard
Harris, Director of the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, said: “We are
delighted to be working with The University of Reading. It is our hope that
the University’s renowned research expertise will help us to share with our
visitors the importance and diversity of our collections and site.”
Knowledge
Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are of great benefit to all involved. They aim
to improve the competitiveness of the company partner, enhance the career of
the graduate and increase the business relevance of the University. This KTP
is being funded by the Department for Trade & Industry (DTI) and the
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
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.
Full
details about the Museum and its activities can be found at
www.wealddown.co.uk
Reading
University’s Knowledge Transfer Centre is one of the most successful in
the country, with 44 projects helping small and medium-sized companies
access knowledge and skills within the University. For more information,
visit the website:
http://www.extra.rdg.ac.uk/KTC . For media enquiries only, please
contact Craig Hillsley, the University of Reading’s press officer: Tel:
0118 378 7388 Email:
c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk
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