Here’s what’s happening in our world
Tuesday, August 28th, 2018
It seems it was ‘selfie day’ when I visited Eling Tide Mill Experience. I wrote the interpretation panels for this splendid exhibition a couple of years ago, but only recently had the chance to visit in person. What was it like? Just Wow! The recipe for success This place has all the secret ingredients. The… Read more »
Friday, February 9th, 2018
Quote of the week: “It doesn’t matter how much we know. What matters is how clearly others can understand what we know.” – Simon Sinek For me, this quote sums up the importance of heritage interpretation and why most curators shouldn’t write museum panels.
Thursday, January 11th, 2018
Here’s an exhibition like you’ve never seen before! I’ve just finished writing for the Alice in Wonderland show for Grande Exhibitions in Australia. It’s quite something! Check out this film. Saying it’s been a busy January already would be something of an understatement. https://grandeexhibitions.com/alice-a-wonderland-adventure/#explore
Sunday, January 7th, 2018
If interpretation, storytelling, writing labels or explaining the meaning of something is part of your role – stop what you are doing and watch this short video. I particularly like the final point about fluency.
Tuesday, October 17th, 2017
How to write guidebooks which actually sells. Check out our article in Museums and Heritage Advisor, containing loads of tips and advice on how to create a great guidebook.
Monday, October 16th, 2017
ICYMI – the greatest museum label ever written. Courtesy of Harvard Museum of Natural History
Tuesday, October 10th, 2017
Walking around the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Worcestershire, was an absolute delight. Rarely have I seen such a splendid exhibition that delivers and delights at every turn. Yes, I expected to see some fabulous old cars, but this exhibition had a whole lot more to offer. From fabulous and engaging interactives to one of… Read more »
Wednesday, September 13th, 2017
The Association of Independent Museums has featured a guest blog post from 52 Oaks – all about how smaller museums can attract, engage and enthuse visitors. And you don’t need a big budget to do it. Comparing the experiences at Anglesey’s modest independent Transport Museum and the big-budget swanky affair at Crete’s Heraklion Archaeological Museum, we… Read more »
Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
We’re excitedly awaiting tomorrow night’s episode of Channel 4’s Restoration of the Year to see if our client, Cardigan Castle, win the ROTY Grand Final. Having visited at the weekend, we think they thoroughly deserve to win. Watch the show here: http://www.channel4.com/…/great-british-build…/episode-guide
Thursday, March 30th, 2017
Congratulations to our client Cardigan Castle on winning the Channel 4 Restoration of the Year award for the Georgian Era. They now go into the final to compete for the overall award. The project took the site from being near derelict through a spectacular restoration of their medieval and Georgian buildings. It’s an unbelievable transformation… Read more »
Sunday, March 26th, 2017
When you work with animals, a sense of humour is essential. https://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/zoo-signs.html?m=0
Thursday, January 26th, 2017
When your story topic needs delicate handling, it’s important to use the right words and tone. This was a project we did for Bay Search & Rescue. The leaflet asks that you remember this vital local charity in your will. From quicksand rescues in Morecambe Bay to flood relief efforts all over the North West… Read more »
Thursday, January 5th, 2017
Top Tip Today’s copywriting tip is: Don’t use exclamation marks in your writing unless absolutely necessary, and even then, think twice. A good writer can use words to emphasise an important story or message, making exclamation marks unnecessary. Using exclamation marks will often make writing look unprofessional, and that’s not good for business. The… Read more »
Wednesday, December 21st, 2016
Q. What do you do when LinkedIn won’t let you upload file? A. You put the file on your own website and let people download it from there. Ta-Da! 52 Oaks Downloadable Brochure PDF
Tuesday, November 1st, 2016
Sometimes, what you said isn’t what you thought you said. Interpretation is everything!
Monday, October 17th, 2016
Whether you have millions to spend on your museum or not, its success relies upon stories and relevance. Here’s how small museums can sometimes win over large, multi-million pound attractions. A tale of two holidays I’m a bit of a sad git, if the truth be known. Even when I’m on holiday, I can’t help… Read more »
Tuesday, July 12th, 2016
Sometimes, its the small things that matter. This project didn’t do much to top up my bank balance, but it rates among my favourite projects of this year. Why? Because it is a project for a client I have worked with several times over the last couple of years, and the fact that they keep… Read more »
Wednesday, April 27th, 2016
Have you ever wanted to leave the rat race behind and live a simpler life? Living on a narrowboat could be just what you need. Here’s a handy quick guide to living aboard a narrowboat, featuring yours truly, published this week by Boats and Outboards (And if you want to know more, why not grab a… Read more »
Friday, March 18th, 2016
How thrilling can a narrowboat be? I remember the thrill of seeing my name in print for the first time. It was in a small hobby specialist magazine, and I told a story about my behind the scenes visit to a Komodo Dragon breeding facility. Seeing the dragons up close was a thrilling experience, but… Read more »
Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
What do King Cobras and narrowboats have in common? You’ll have to watch my video to find out. Happy New Year to all of my clients of 2015. Here’s hoping this year is just as fabulous. Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015
Highlights and handy hints from the Museums Association presentation about interpretive text for museums and visitor attractions. Check out this link by the clever folk at Haley Sharpe Design.
Tuesday, December 15th, 2015
Well, at least when it comes to interpretation it does. Check out these guidelines for the most popular content platforms, courtesy of Orbit Media.