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 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! This place has all the secret ingredients. The working flour mill is wonderfully restored,… 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 – the Alice show starts at 3m 27s. (BTW – we also did the interpretive copy for the Leaders Exhibition that follows it.) Saying it’s… Read more »
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,… 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 »