Winter Curator Work
Over the winter Carly Davies, Denbighshire’s new Heritage Curator, has been busy working across all sites carrying out object audits.
The purpose of an object audit is to give a quick and clear overview of the museum collection, allowing basic checking of accession numbers, location and condition. Such auditing helps to highlight any discrepancies relating to numbering, location, display and storage, helping to identify any future work and projects that will need to take place. For Denbighshire Heritage Service the object audit is very relevant as we are an Accredited Museum and will be investigated on our museum standards March 2018.
‘As a new member of the Heritage Team carrying out an object audit over all sites is very beneficial for me as I am getting to know the collection. I also have the opportunity to work closely with members of staff on the various sites, who have real in-depth knowledge and passion for the historical places they work with. Hopefully we can discover some hidden gems and untold stories to incorporate into any future development of Denbighshire heritage sites.’
Denbighshire Heritage has a fascinating collection with a whole range of different objects, just a few of those that have been recorded so far have been:
From Rhyl Museum –Swimming Costume. Made from cotton. These would have been regular beach wear for holiday makers to Rhyl in the 1920’ and 30’s. Visit Rhyl museum for an insight into the history of Entertainment, the promenade and Heritage of Rhyl.
From Plas Newydd – Dog Collar – This iron chained dog collar is lockable and looks rather uncomfortable by modern standards. The brass plate says ‘Plas Newydd’ and it is believed to belong to Chase who was a stray Sarah Ponsonby rescued after it was found wondering the grounds of Plas Newydd. Visit Plas Newydd to discover the fascinating story of Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler, see rooms decorated with intricate wooden carvings and take a stroll through the historically listed garden.
From Ruthin Gaol – Oakum picking bench – Oakum was the fibre produced from picking apart old ropes, usually those used in shipping which were heavy and often covered in tar. The laborious task of ‘Oakum picking’ was regular work for those incarcerated in Victorian prisons. It could be carried out by children and the old so no prisoner was spared the task. Visit Ruthin Gaol to discover what other punishments Victorian prisoners were given and imagine what it would have been like to be an inmate at a Pentonville Victorian Prison.
These objects and many more will be on display at our museums when they reopen in Spring 2018. Opening times and prices will be available for all sites on our website www.denbighshire.gov.uk/heritage.
Keep up to date with what’s going on in Denbighshire Heritage by following us on Facebook @heritagedenbighshire
Plas Newydd
Plas Newydd House Llangollen was ‘put to bed ’for winter in November by Heritage Assistants Janis Deves and Gail Forrester assisted by Denbighshire’s new museum curator Carly Davies.
The work involved putting delicate items into storage for winter, deep cleaning the fantastic wood panelling and checking the condition of many items that have been on display through a very busy 2017 season.
Curator Carly said It’s been very interesting seeing the house being put to bed for the first time and witnessing the care and consideration taken to keep the house and its contents in tip top condition over the winter months’.
Plas Newydd will re-open to the public in Easter 2018 but before then Carly, Janis and Gail will be back in for the biggest spring clean in Llangollen!
Winter Group Tours
After a fantastic season across all sites Ruthin Gaol, Nantclwyd y Dre and Plas Newydd are now closed to the public for the winter. However pre booked group tours are still available at Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre.
Throughout 2017 the Gaol in particular has increased in popularity as an attraction for school groups and the number of visits have more than doubled this year from 2016. Tours are led by our very own Victorian warders who give children a hands on insight into Victorian prison life offering a fantastic educational resource and a fun learning experience for children. Activities have included towing the line, a spell in the dark cell, trying out ‘the crank’ and a prisoner hunt!
At both Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd we provide tours for all ages and interests. Over the year we have welcomed coach tours, university groups, historical societies, primary schools and secondary schools.
Here are just a few of our visitor feedback comments from the Gaol and Nantclwyd over the 2017 season:
Excellent! Interactive and hands on activities thoroughly enjoyed by our children. Diolch yn fawr.’ Ysgol y Gogarth, Llandudno (Ruthin Gaol)
‘A fascinating insight into prison life in the 19th century. Very well presented, thank you!’ Andy, Holywell (Ruthin Gaol)
‘Full of wonderful stories, history at its best!’ Greens and Kights, Leicester (Nantclwyd y Dre)
‘A hidden treasure indeed. Fascinating history and a very beautiful garden. Thank you.’ Mitchell family, Crewe. (Nantclwyd y Dre)
If you have a group who would like to explore either Ruthin Gaol or Nantclwyd y Dre then do get in touch by either calling 01824 706868 or emailing heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk.
All sites will reopen to the public in Spring 2018. Opening times and prices will be available for all sites on our website www.denbighshire.gov.uk/heritage
Keep up to date with what’s going on in Denbighshire Heritage by following us on Facebook @heritagedenbighshire
