Museum Objects Provide Inspiration

Third year students on the Contemporary Crafts degree course at University College Falmouth have staged a unique exhibition at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro.

Stambridge and her daughter Elle Collins with â€˜Bebo Bullyâ€™
Inspired by objects they found in the museum, the students have created their own works of art in a fascinating display that has been specifically designed to appeal to a young audience. Exhibits include Slave Chain, a modern day interpretation of the Delftware Tulip Vase which reveals the part slavery played in its creation, Bebo Bully, which uses the museum’s Rialton Stone to explore the issue of today’s technological bullying and Wishing 4 Water, which uses ceramic mugs to promote the need for clean water in developing countries.

Professor Alan Livingston, Principal of University College Falmouth, launched the exhibition which runs from 12 January to 9 February.

‘This exhibition represents an important step forward for both the museum and the college,’ said Professor Livingston. ‘The students benefit from being able to display their work in an environment that is synonymous with great works of art and the museum benefits by introducing new modes of presentation, attracting young audiences and looking to the future.

‘This kind of collaboration is vital for Cornwall and I look forward to similar partnership projects taking place in the future.’

Joanne Stambridge, from Blackpool, is a mature student who created Bebo Bully by taking a cast of her fourteen year old daughter’s back and visually exploring the issue of internet bullying. She helped set up the exhibition.

‘It’s been a really interesting project,’ she said. ‘It’s certainly made me much more aware of what is in the museum.’

Seven year old Edith Matthias, from Falmouth, was clearly delighted with the ceramic cup she was given by Tasha-Elena, a third year student who was giving out free mugs as a way of publicising the charity Water Aid.

‘The face on it made me smile,’ she said.

The exhibition was jointly organised by BA(Hons) Contemporary Arts Course Leader Jason Cleverly and the museum’s Interpretation and Community Officer Louise McDermott.

‘They’ve both done an excellent job because, to be successful, we have to look to the future as well as the past,’ said Hilary Bracegirdle, RCM’s Director. ‘This exhibition uses our heritage as a basis for exploring current issues – issues that affect our youth.

‘I’m delighted to be working with University College Falmouth and hope that as many people as possible will take the opportunity of viewing the students’ thought-provoking work over the coming weeks.’

For further information, ring the Royal Cornwall Museum on 01872 272205, dial 0, or visit www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk

For further information about BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts at University College Falmouth, please visit: www.falmouth.ac.uk /contemporarycrafts, email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 214356.

Please note this press release is issued on behalf of The Royal Cornwall Museum by Sue Bradbury PR Tel: 01872 863863

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Museum Objects Provide Inspiration

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