Unlocking Our Sound Heritage

Collections & Objects   Collections Management   Discovery Museum   Local History   Science   Social History   Technology   The Archives   Volunteering
Posted by administrator on April 4, 2019     Permalink     Leave a comment

The Unlocking Our Sound Heritage Project is an exciting new UK wide project led by the British Library and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Part of the British Library’s Save Our Sounds Programme, the project aims to digitally preserve almost 500,000 endangered sound recordings from across the UK and make 100,000 available online, transforming the visibility of sound archive collections in the process.

The UK’s audio collections are at risk from both physical degradation and from play back technology becoming obsolete. Professional consensus is that we have approximately 15 years to save the UK’s sound collections before they become unplayable and are effectively lost. The solution is to digitally preserve them, but there is a significant amount of work to do and time is running out.

A glimpse at the digitisation studio at Discovery Museum

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM) is one of ten Hubs across the UK which is working to preserve some of our most at risk audio recordings before they are lost forever. TWAM is the Hub for the North East and Yorkshire and will be digitising material (which has already been identified) within the region over the next 3 years.

This collection of wax cylinders will be digitised as part of the project

These recordings tell a rich story of the UK’s shared history through traditional, pop and world music, drama and literature readings, oral history, local radio and wildlife sounds. There will be events and activities taking place throughout the project and by 2020 the British Library will make some of the recordings available via a new sound portal on the British Library website.

Part of the Tyne & Wear Archives collection, this reel features the carillon in the Civic Centre

The ten Hubs are: 

 National Museums Northern Ireland 

Archives + in Manchester

Norfolk Record Office

National Library of Scotland

University of Leicester

The Keep in Brighton

Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums

National Library of Wales

London Metropolitan Archives

Bristol Culture

If you would be interested in volunteering with the Unlocking Our Sound Heritage Project, please keep an eye on our volunteer website where opportunities will be posted.

 

Unlocking Our Sound Heritage is funded by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as generous funding from charities and individuals.                                     

                

The Family La Bonche Circus Collection, Part 2: Tools of the Trade – a guest blog by Alexandria Brown

Collections & Objects   Discovery Museum   Exhibitions   Local History   Social History
Posted by administrator on March 12, 2019     Permalink     Leave a comment

Equipment in the La Bonche circus Collection

This post explores the world of circus skills and equipment using objects from the La Bonche circus collection at Discovery Museum.

Circus skills and tools

As artists, circus performers aim to awe and entertain through the use of their bodies and physical talents.  Different performances require certain skills to carry them out, such as balance, acrobatics or manipulation, among others.  Oftentimes, performers develop interdisciplinary skills in order to carry out multifaceted performances. Examples of this would be a clown (theatre) who also uses a trapeze (acrobatics) or unicyclist (balance) who also juggles (manipulation).  Once mastered, many skills are transferable to different types of equipment and performances. In the La Bonche collection there are many objects which represent a variety of acts and skills; here I’ve listed a few under different circus skills to illustrate some of the tools of the trade:

Skill set: Balance – when one balances themselves or an object.

Object 1: Unicycle (user must balance their body on one wheel).

Unicycle. TWCMS : 2014.58

One of the more versatile pieces of circus equipment, the unicycle allows the user to engage in multiple activities at once, such as juggling, clowning or theatrics.  Although heavily associated with circus and festival communities, unicycling has expanded to be become a relatively popular hobby.  This one was last used in St. Charles car park, Gosforth and owned by Helen Averley aka Madame La Bonche.

Object 2: Aerial Rope (user must balance their body on a thin rope). User climbs the rope and holds on using different physical figures or knots in the rope.

Aerial rope. TWCMS : 2014.60

Ropes have many practical uses, but a popular circus use is that of ropewalking.  In this context, ropewalking is performed in one of two formats, tight rope or slack rope.  Depending on the give of the rope, the centre of gravity of the walker changes which requires different positioning to stay atop.  Acts incorporating ropewalking can include acrobatics, partners performing atop, or walkers balancing additional items on themselves.  This particular rope is a cotton aerial rope, with an eye at one end which has quick link which is used to fix to an anchor point and a loose end at the other. Once suspended it works in a vertical plane and can be used to climb up to another piece of aerial equipment, eg trapeze, or used as a piece of aerial equipment in its own right. It was donated due to reaching its age requirement, 5-8 years, for after a certain period of years, all textile equipment must be disused to prevent breakage and injury to users.

Skill set: Aerial acrobatics – when one does hanging acrobatics or dance moves.

Object 3: Aerial silk (user must hang from a flexible, stretchy silk).

Aerial silk. TWCMS : 2014.84

Aerial silks must be both flexible and strong to allow for complicated movements; as a result, they are generally made from a 2-way stretch polyester lycra.  An aerial silk performer creates routines and tricks rooted in three types of moves: climbs, wraps, and drops.  To give a proper sense of scale, this silk is half the length of those typically used for performance.  Additionally, just like performance ropes, silks have a predetermined expiration date in order to ensure safety.

Object 4: Trapeze (user must hang from a horizontal bar in the air).

Trapeze. TWCMS : 2014.59

One of the more traditional performance arts, trapeze can be performed with single, double, or multiple artists.  Not simply used for swinging, creative manoeuvres can include hanging from feet, chins, elbows and knees.  This particular trapeze was used in regional Hang Aerial Dance shows Sirens & Sailors in 2005, Get Knotted in 2007, and Buzz Off in 2008. It has been rigged from trees, outdoor aerial structures, buildings and from a Tall Ships rigging. It was used and owned by Helen Averley aka Madame La Bonche.  Along with the rope and aerial silk, it was donated due to reaching its use expiration date for safety reasons.

Skill set: Manipulation – when one controls the moving of objects in space.

Object 5: Juggling clubs (user must throw and catch clubs).

Juggling clubs. TWCMS : 2014.69

 

Heavily worn and dented, these juggling clubs are one of the older items in the collection.  They formerly belonged to Mike Bridges, a juggler who taught circus skill and workshops within the region beginning in the early 90s.  These clubs could easily be 20+ years old.  They are lightweight and hollow with the heads slightly heavier than the handles, allowing for spin when thrown into the air.

Object 6: Diabolo (user must control a piece using two sticks and string).

Diabolo. TWCMS : 2014.62

Colourful and active, diabolos easily draw the eye in and allow for a large variety of tricks, including spins, tosses and multiple diabolos being manipulated on one string.  The modern diabolo originated from a Chinese form of yo-yo and despite its devil-sounding name, diabolo is a combination of the Greek words ‘dia’ and ‘bolo’ roughly meaning across throw.

Personal favourite

Skill set: manipulation

Object: poi

Poi. TWCMS : 2014.82

Poi refers to both the performance and the object being used; it is an object manipulation art originating from a Maori martial  tradition, where weighted objects are purposefully spun from a cord using the hands and wrists.  Poi has been adopted by the circus community as a form of show, typically with added elements for an increased effect such as music, streamers, or lights.  These in particular are bags filled with little balls for weight, they are attachable to poles or sticks to be swung and feature streamers.

Delve into the drama of the big top and explore the incredible stories behind the spectacle in Circus! Show of Shows (until 2 June 2019), Discovery Museum

 

 

The Art of Nature Part 1 – A guest blog by Immy Mobley

Art   Books   Education   Great North Museum: Hancock   Natural Sciences
Posted by administrator on March 11, 2019     Permalink     Comments (1)

Immy Mobley with John Gould book

Lithography and the impact it had on zoological illustrations

Hello, my name is Immy and I am researching the use of art in natural history illustration during my placement at the Great North Museum: Hancock Library. The Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN)  has a wonderful collection of books about the natural world that is located in the library.  Many of these have beautiful illustrations with examples dating back to the 16th century.

I have always been passionate about art and therefore was excited to start my project by gaining information on the history of illustrations, dating back to cave drawings from over 30,000 years ago to the many different methods used to produce illustrations in the most recent centuries, and how these changed over time. I found lithography particularly fascinating, due to the simplicity of the method, yet how much of an impact it had on the publishing of natural history books during that era. Subsequently, I looked into the process more closely.

I learned that lithography is a method of printing, based on the repulsion of oil and water – they do not mix. It was discovered by a German author and actor in 1796, named Alois Senefelder, who originally invented it as a cheap method of publishing theatrical material. However, it also resulted in the development of zoological art being greatly advanced during this period, although not immediately, with the first book about animals to use lithography by Karl Schmidt being published in 1818 (Beschreibung der Vogel). It could be said that the application of lithography to animal illustration was one of the most important aspects of nineteenth century zoological literature.

Alois Senefelder 1771 – 1834

Previously, an illustrator made a drawing and then handed it over to an expertly trained engraver, who would translate the original drawing into an engraving. The artist therefore had little to no control over what happened to his work after it left his hands. However, lithography meant that the artist could be his own lithographer. The artists now had the freedom to draw directly onto the stone making animal illustrations seem more vital, individual, and detailed than before, raising the importance of the quality of illustrations in zoological publications.

At this time, lithography involved an image being drawn onto a thick slab of limestone using a greasy crayon, which may have been pigmented to make the drawing visible. The stone was then treated with a mixture of weak acid and gum Arabic, creating a layer that would not accept the printing ink, but would retain water when the stone was dampened. This meant that when an oil-based ink was applied, it would only stick to the original drawing, so as the stone and a blank piece of paper was run through a press, the image was transferred, creating the print. In modern lithography, the image is made of a polymer coating applied to a flexible plastic or metal plate.

Original Lithographic Press

I think that a great example of an artist using lithography to succeed in zoological illustrations is John Gould, who was an English ornithologist in the nineteenth century. He used the printing method to portray birds of the world for most of his life and was directly responsible for the publication of over three thousand hand-coloured lithographs of birds, most of which were shown in life size. Gould was described as ‘the greatest figure in bird illustration’ and he frequently worked with Charles Darwin to identify numerous bird specimens. It is of common opinion that his most impressive illustrations were in the “Birds of Great Britain”, of which he produced solely 750 copies, being described as ‘the most sumptuous and costly of British bird books’. The NHSN library has a version of this title in 25 volumes. Like all of the books in the library, this is available for anyone to view. Personally, I was impressed by the accuracy and liveliness of the illustrations, with the finer details being complemented by the bold use of colour.

Great Spotted Cuckoo from”Birds of Great Britain”

Gould later commissioned Edward Lear, who was another great lithographer,  to produce images of birds for his publications. It has been argued that Lear was a better artist than Gould, which gives me reason to continue my research in the direction of Lear, and write my next post about him and his artwork, some of which I will also be able to see as part of the NHSN’s collection.

Read part two
Read part three

The Family La Bonche Circus Collection, Part 1, an introduction – a guest blog by Alexandria Brown

Collections & Objects   Discovery Museum   Local History   Social History
Posted by administrator on February 28, 2019     Permalink     Leave a comment

Whilst on placement at Discovery Museum, aiding with contemporary collections, I was tasked with documenting the rather interesting La Bonche circus collection.  Throughout the process, I discovered that the world of circus carries a legacy of unique skills, customs and values.  In order to share some of what I’ve learned, I’d like to give a brief overview of the Family La Bonche and their motivations for donation.

The Family La Bonche is a youth and community circus troupe which started at Circus Central based in Christ Church, Newcastle.  In 2013, stemming from a curiosity concerning their circus history and heritage, they researched circus histories from the North East in collaboration with Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM).  This initiative uncovered a strong regional circus history and a contemporary circus network within the local festival and arts circuit, culminating in a 2014 published book, Circus Histories from the North East of England: 1237 – 2013.  Inspired by their findings, the troupe decided to donate circus related objects and ephemera to Discovery Museum – an act of contributing to the regional circus history which they had uncovered.  As an introduction, I’ve chosen to look at their research and community, as these were the main motivators and sources for the La Bonche circus collection.

Local circus histories

The La Bonche collection originates with the research undertaken and published by the Family concerning regional circus histories. Delightfully, large portions of the book include early 20th century documents and printed ephemera from Arthur Fenwick’s scrapbooks, son to the founder of Fenwick’s department store. As a close collaborator and supporter of the local circus, Arthur’s personal papers on the subject add a valuable primary perspective to many of the historic photos, articles and posters amassed.  The Family La Bonche themselves state in their book that ‘we are very fond of him and consider him as an important elder in our circus family…thanks to Arthur we know our local circus heritage much better.’  There is no doubt that Arthur’s efforts to preserve and document the local circus community influenced the creation of the La Bonche circus collection.

Scrapbook entry of Arthur Fenwick on a 1934 circus festival at the Newcastle Town Moor

 

In addition to circus histories, the book also profiles contemporary circus artists and groups of the North East.  Sprinkled throughout are mini biographies and anecdotes concerning individuals, acts and traditions within recent decades.  One of my favourite sections is a list gathered by a young La Bonche revealing ‘circus secrets’ or comedic notes relating to circus superstitions.  Several of these were written down for a 2014 Fitzwilliam Museum show and later added to the collection. Here are a few examples:

  • Do show elephants in your posters with their trunks up.  An elephants’ trunk pointed downwards symbolises mourning.
  • If you mess up a trick, do it again or all your tricks will be messed up.
  • As soon as you can walk on your hands you must go out to work.

Closed circus secret note with Family La Bonche symbol stamped on front

 

Overall the book provides memorable details without feeling too heavy.  The posters and 20th century ephemera are fantastic and the performer profiles give insight to the fascinating individuals which chose circus as a way of life.  Many of the objects in the collection are also featured within the context of their use and associations, a helpful resource for those interested in circus histories.

 

‘If you mess up a trick in the circus, you must do it again’

 

Contemporary circus groups

All objects in the collection were gathered by the Family La Bonche and donated by their mentor, Helen Averley, aka Madame La Bonche.  These objects have personal stories attached to them in relation to their former owners, and so to understand the collection, it is a good start to look into the community itself.  Despite the Family being a newly-formed youth group, the contemporary regional circus community really took off in the late 1980s.  Many of those who started circus groups and acts at this time went on to mentor younger performers in workshops, continuing the heritage of circus performance within the North East into today.  Although Circus Central only became an established company in 2009, it follows in the footsteps of other clubs such as the Durham City Jugglers, and University Circus Skills Society, and Circus 2000.  Previous groups had been quite informal in their advertising and constituency, ebbing and flowing according to membership demand and availability, whereas Circus Central is firmly established and active within the local community.

Family La Bonche performing in the Great Hall, Discovery Museum

 

Skills which are routinely taught within Circus Central include acrobatics, unicycling, and juggling, among others.  This is reflected in the objects which have been donated, the majority being retired equipment and costumes passed down by mentors and elders; things which the younger generation wished to preserve in order represent their community.  Gathered from aforementioned retired circus clubs and workshops, current organisations, and personal collections, these objects are not decorative in nature but heavily used with a handcrafted element to them, reflecting the active and self-sufficient attitude of the community.

Something I wish to address in a subsequent post concerning the La Bonche collection are some of the skills required to use selected objects in the collection and how they relate to the circus community at large.  Keep an eye out – the post will be titled ‘Tools of the trade’.

Delve into the drama of the big top and explore the incredible stories behind the spectacle in Circus! Show of Shows (until 2 June 2019), Discovery Museum

The Service Women of WWII – by Hannah Mather, Customer Service Assistant and Volunteer

Collections & Objects   Fashion   Military History   South Shields Museum & Art Gallery   Women
Posted by administrator on November 30, 2018     Permalink     Comments (1)

During the warmer months, the spotlight shone on the women working in agriculture, in place of the men that were now serving in the military. The Women’s Land Army was featured on the covers of Woman magazine with issues like the ones below, from May and August, which show full page illustrations of women, proudly wearing their ‘Land Girl’ uniforms, identifiable by their striking green jumpers over white shirts and golden badges.

Cover page of Woman magazine, 15 May 1943. TWCMS: 2018.1111

 

Cover page of Woman Magazine, 28 August 1943. TWCMS: 2018.1119

 

The badges upon closer inspection were enamelled brass with imagery of freshly harvested, golden corn in the centre of a green background. It was surrounded by a circular band that has Women’s Land Army engraved into it and topped with a golden crown; much like the one pictured below, from Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums’ collection.

Women’s Land Army Badge. TWCMS: 2009.3738

 

The Women’s Land Army was a British Civilian organisation that was set up originally during WWI.  It was once again called upon and re-founded just before the outbreak of WWII so that the men, who had been working the land, could fight in the military. This was in fact the case with many crucial services that had once been male dominated; during WWI we see the emergence of many women’s service groups that were once again called upon during the outbreak of the Second World War. Other civilian organisations which were important during the war included the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) who became responsible for the assembly of weapons, as well as the building of aircraft and other vessels, such as ships over time as their roles became more varied.

The National Fire Service (NFS) was another, well known civilian organisation that proved to be crucial during WWII. The NFS had both male and female members with women often having administrative duties such as staffing communication centres. Their uniforms were dark blue with the NFS logo, as shown below on this cover illustration of Woman magazine from 17 April 1943. This service would often respond to the aftermath of Blitz attacks and was a dangerous job.

Cover page image of Woman Magazine, 17 April 1943, showing a woman from the National Fire Service on duty, taking a call. TWCMS: 2018.1108

 

Women’s service groups were highlighted quite often in Woman, with regular articles from the Women’s War Service Bureau dealing with a variety of wartime topics. There was an interesting article about service women’s uniforms in an issue of the magazine dated 28 August 1943; this extract can be seen below.

Woman Magazine, 28 August 1943 showing Uniforms of Women in Service. TWCMS: 2018.1119

 

Images included in this article are of uniforms that were worn by Service Women in Britain during WWII. There are also some which were not British and the article discusses similarities and differences between the various group’s uniforms.

It cannot be doubted that the women’s contribution to the war effort during the First and Second World Wars was great. Many women took on roles that had previously been considered to be masculine jobs and played their part in keeping things going in a time of need. When the men were called away for military service, the women were called upon to fill their jobs and many took up work in factories, as well as on the land and in other services. Women began to feel, as a result of this, that they were capable of much more and it began to change people’s views on what women could do.