Vision, Aims, Objectives, Values
In September 2020, we announced the beginning of our ‘Reimagining’ programme of projects at the museum. Since then we have been undergoing significant change to our focus and work as a museum. Initially, we planned to close for day-to-day visits during this period but due to popular demand, we are open weekends from February to October. This has also allowed us to share our work and involve our audience in the changes. As we continue to undertake projects, establish partnerships and make progress, we will share this with you via our project pages.
Vision: People Matter
The Powell-Cotton Museum is for everyone – current and future audiences, staff, volunteers, our local community, the communities descended from the places our collections originate and anyone else who wants to work with the Powell-Cotton Museum, House and Gardens and to be part of our forward journey. To be for everyone, we will make space for more voices in our Museum: past, present and future. This comes from both listening to the diversity of voices within our community today and using our collections to explore the stories of people who have historically been silenced.
Aims
- To be collaborative and inclusive. Our working culture will be for everyone, collaborative in nature and will empower all to participate.
- To be transparent in the process and delivery of this programme. This programme of work will have a measurable framework of deliverables and milestones and we will hold ourselves accountable for both our processes and finished works.
- To embrace change NOW and build on the momentum of forward movement we’ve already established. The Museum began working to tell a wider, more inclusive, story in 2018. In February 2020 we started laying the groundwork for our re-imagining programme. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the level of societal inequality it has exposed, brought a dual shift in how we work and focus on what matters. This gave us the impetus to take this work from ‘behind the scenes and into the public eye. Bringing our reimagining programme to the fore now gives us a window of opportunity to radically rethink what we do and how we do it. This is a moment for change in our organisational culture - the understanding that, if we want to, we CAN do things differently and should be empowered to do so.
- To embed our commitment to change, as outlined via our social media channels in June and July 2020, within our Museum so that these changes become long-term, sustainable working practices, not just words. What we refer to as ‘decolonising the museum’ aims to address the silences of the past, acknowledge privilege and adjust balances of power in the present. It is a process of returning context to the collections via our interpretation and engagement, and working with our communities near and far today to be equitable, honest and transparent moving forward. This is our commitment to a new way of working, not a finished product.
Objectives
- Securing a sustainable future for the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens. This will cover finances, the fabric of the buildings (which will in turn secure the future of the collections) and our resources. It is also reflected in our relationships with our staff and the value we place on their knowledge and experience.
- Make sure that all our engagement, both internally and externally, is meaningful, aligning with our Vision and Values. Engagement doesn’t always have to be of clear or tangible benefit to the Museum – sometimes it will simply be the right thing to do.
- Establish the identity and function of the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Garden. Previous work has identified the historic identity of the site but the future will be what we make it. This will include our external identity as a brand, but also the best relationship between our component parts (museum, house, garden) to give us an innovative, independent and sustainable future.
Values
Our vision – people matter – is foundational to the values of this programme of work. These values will be embedded across the organisation from visitor experience and collections to operations and to HR. These values relate to everyone who works with us, in whatever way that may be.
- Everyone’s lived experiences are valued by the organisation and everyone should be empowered to fulfil their potential. In this regard, we work to the principle that equity is as important as equality.
- We place importance on the emotional connections that exist between people and place.
- We have courage in our convictions: we will be brave in our actions and innovative in our approach.
Updated November 2022
FREE ENTRY TODAY!
This Mother’s Day let`s celebrate all the incredible women who have shown us love and guidance, whether they are mothers, grandmothers, or motherly figures. Enjoy a day of culture and creativity at the museum today courtesy of @powthanet.
Bring the whole family along for a memorable experience that will create lasting memories.
#FreeEntry #MothersDay #ReimaginingtheMuseum
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
FREE ENTRY TODAY!
This Mother’s Day let`s celebrate all the incredible women who have shown us love and guidance, whether they are mothers, grandmothers, or motherly figures. Enjoy a day of culture and creativity at the museum today courtesy of @powthanet.
Bring the whole family along for a memorable experience that will create lasting memories.
#FreeEntry #MothersDay #ReimaginingtheMuseum
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you`ll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.
#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you`ll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.
#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
As part of the Sunshine project members of the garden team recently took part in a clay workshop led by Jayne Wright @ThanetTilesOfJoy and our resident artist, Julia Ellen-Lancaster.
Starting with identical balls of clay each person created an individual tile inspired by things which brought them joy. The result is a set of tiles which are different from each other. Participants discovered ways to sculpt and mould their designs with inspiration from the garden as well as personal flights of fancy!
Discover these incredible works from our talented team at our open days from Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 1st April.
@visitkent @visitthanet @ketnattractions
#Learning #QuexGardens #ReimaginingTheMuseum
The #SunshineProject receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimuseums, @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams
As part of the Sunshine project members of the garden team recently took part in a clay workshop led by Jayne Wright @ThanetTilesOfJoy and our resident artist, Julia Ellen-Lancaster.
Starting with identical balls of clay each person created an individual tile inspired by things which brought them joy. The result is a set of tiles which are different from each other. Participants discovered ways to sculpt and mould their designs with inspiration from the garden as well as personal flights of fancy!
Discover these incredible works from our talented team at our open days from Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 1st April.
@visitkent @visitthanet @ketnattractions
#Learning #QuexGardens #ReimaginingTheMuseum
The #SunshineProject receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimuseums, @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams
#BehindTheScenes #MuseumMonday
We are now in the second phase of our thorough conservation work with our stored collections. This work is part of a large storage project which will move collections from storage conditions suffering water ingress and pest infestation to more suitable areas.
Part of the process is unpacking and repacking collections with fresh materials, in correctly sized boxes.
Currently we are working with our very precious primate collection which is regularly requested by researchers.
This particular specimen is a male Agile Monkey.
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
#Reimaginingthemuseum #conservation #museum #powellcottonmuseum
#BehindTheScenes #MuseumMonday
We are now in the second phase of our thorough conservation work with our stored collections. This work is part of a large storage project which will move collections from storage conditions suffering water ingress and pest infestation to more suitable areas.
Part of the process is unpacking and repacking collections with fresh materials, in correctly sized boxes.
Currently we are working with our very precious primate collection which is regularly requested by researchers.
This particular specimen is a male Agile Monkey.
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
#Reimaginingthemuseum #conservation #museum #powellcottonmuseum
Today we`re sharing a selection of Monster Faces - sculptures created by a learning group with the #SunshineProject in our treasured #QuexGardens.
The Sunshine Project offers high-quality volunteering opportunities, community engagement, and social connectivity, with a specific focus on individuals with learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
We`re delighted to be working alongside @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics as the project`s Artist in Residence to lead these opportunities for creativity within the museum setting - Julia thoughtfully commented, "It’s a real opportunity to respond to the incredible inspiration that Museums can offer. Working with our hands, making and creating is such a natural and human thing to do, something that many of us can be detached from in an age of technology."
The sculptures are on display now and can be seen as part of our `Spring into the Museum` events. See if you can spot them along the Quex Tree Trail this weekend!
@visitkent @kentattractions @bestkentattractions
#Learning #ReimaginingtheMuseum #PowellCottonMuseum #VisitKent #VisitThanet #ThanetCommunity #Springintothemuseum #sunshineprojectsunday
The Sunshine Project is in receipt of a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimuseums, @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams
https://aim-museums.co.uk/connected-communities-marketing-guidelines/
Today we`re sharing a selection of Monster Faces - sculptures created by a learning group with the #SunshineProject in our treasured #QuexGardens.
The Sunshine Project offers high-quality volunteering opportunities, community engagement, and social connectivity, with a specific focus on individuals with learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
We`re delighted to be working alongside @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics as the project`s Artist in Residence to lead these opportunities for creativity within the museum setting - Julia thoughtfully commented, "It’s a real opportunity to respond to the incredible inspiration that Museums can offer. Working with our hands, making and creating is such a natural and human thing to do, something that many of us can be detached from in an age of technology."
The sculptures are on display now and can be seen as part of our `Spring into the Museum` events. See if you can spot them along the Quex Tree Trail this weekend!
@visitkent @kentattractions @bestkentattractions
#Learning #ReimaginingtheMuseum #PowellCottonMuseum #VisitKent #VisitThanet #ThanetCommunity #Springintothemuseum #sunshineprojectsunday
The Sunshine Project is in receipt of a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimuseums, @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams
https://aim-museums.co.uk/connected-communities-marketing-guidelines/
Don`t miss our beautiful new spring product range here at the museum. Spring into the gift shop to browse the collection that includes everything from budget friendly bugs to gorgeous china gifts.
We have to say, these Gem Bugs really are very cute! Which items do you most like the look of?
#ReimaginingtheMuseum #Learning #Kentgiftshop #Museumgiftshop #PowellCottonMuseum #QuexHouseandGardens
@visitkent @kentattractions @visitthanet
Don`t miss our beautiful new spring product range here at the museum. Spring into the gift shop to browse the collection that includes everything from budget friendly bugs to gorgeous china gifts.
We have to say, these Gem Bugs really are very cute! Which items do you most like the look of?
#ReimaginingtheMuseum #Learning #Kentgiftshop #Museumgiftshop #PowellCottonMuseum #QuexHouseandGardens
@visitkent @kentattractions @visitthanet
We cannot wait to reopen for visitors and with only 10 days to go, we thought we`d share a little of what you have to look forward to during Half Term...
Opening to visitors on Saturday 10th February (11-3), visitors can `Spring into the Museum` at the weekends with a range of delightful and seasonal family activities:
* A Precious Bug Hunt - Track down the mischievous gem bugs who have wandered off on their own exploration of the museum. Follow their trail, and navigate through the galleries and grounds to identify these tricky treasures!
* A Trail of Trees - Explore the winding paths of beautiful Quex Gardens with the help of our handy tree map. Perhaps it will also lead you to a discovery of curious faces sculpted amongst the trees!
* A Sensory Scavenger Wheel - Hunt out the spectrum of scents and colours of Spring at the museum using our popular Scavenger Wheel!
* Beautiful Bugs - Craft up a storm in the Learning Gallery with bug-themed colouring activities and games.
* A Special Storytelling Session - Join author Paul Deslandes for a captivating storytelling session on Saturday 10th February at 12pm. Your little ones will be immersed into Paul’s wonderful story ‘The Garden Monster’ which was inspired by his own children`s garden adventures.
Spring into the Museum
10 & 11 February, 11-3
17 & 18 February, 11-3
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
#Learning #ReimaginingtheMuseum #VisitThanet #VisitKent #HalfTermKent #PowellCottonMuseum
We cannot wait to reopen for visitors and with only 10 days to go, we thought we`d share a little of what you have to look forward to during Half Term...
Opening to visitors on Saturday 10th February (11-3), visitors can `Spring into the Museum` at the weekends with a range of delightful and seasonal family activities:
* A Precious Bug Hunt - Track down the mischievous gem bugs who have wandered off on their own exploration of the museum. Follow their trail, and navigate through the galleries and grounds to identify these tricky treasures!
* A Trail of Trees - Explore the winding paths of beautiful Quex Gardens with the help of our handy tree map. Perhaps it will also lead you to a discovery of curious faces sculpted amongst the trees!
* A Sensory Scavenger Wheel - Hunt out the spectrum of scents and colours of Spring at the museum using our popular Scavenger Wheel!
* Beautiful Bugs - Craft up a storm in the Learning Gallery with bug-themed colouring activities and games.
* A Special Storytelling Session - Join author Paul Deslandes for a captivating storytelling session on Saturday 10th February at 12pm. Your little ones will be immersed into Paul’s wonderful story ‘The Garden Monster’ which was inspired by his own children`s garden adventures.
Spring into the Museum
10 & 11 February, 11-3
17 & 18 February, 11-3
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
#Learning #ReimaginingtheMuseum #VisitThanet #VisitKent #HalfTermKent #PowellCottonMuseum
It`s #InternationalLEGODay and we`re excited to announce a special event here at the museum happening on Father`s Day weekend in June.
Come and visit us on either Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th June and in addition to exploring the museum and gardens, you can also take part in LEGO® workshops which involve creating LEGO® Dot mosaics and taking on fun LEGO® speed building challenges. There`ll also be a range of Bricktacular models on display!
This is the perfect family activity for a unique and special Father`s Day - head to the website to book your LEGO® experience today! Pre-booking essential.
https://powell-cottonmuseum.org/.../bricktacular-adventures/
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions @TheBRICKPeopleLtd #ReimaginingtheMuseum #PowellCottonMuseum #KentMuseums
It`s #InternationalLEGODay and we`re excited to announce a special event here at the museum happening on Father`s Day weekend in June.
Come and visit us on either Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th June and in addition to exploring the museum and gardens, you can also take part in LEGO® workshops which involve creating LEGO® Dot mosaics and taking on fun LEGO® speed building challenges. There`ll also be a range of Bricktacular models on display!
This is the perfect family activity for a unique and special Father`s Day - head to the website to book your LEGO® experience today! Pre-booking essential.
https://powell-cottonmuseum.org/.../bricktacular-adventures/
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions @TheBRICKPeopleLtd #ReimaginingtheMuseum #PowellCottonMuseum #KentMuseums
This week our artist in residence @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics, has been working with local groups as part of the exciting community outreach initiative - The Sunshine Project.
Here we can see Julia teaching the group how to make leaf imprints into the clay as they prepare sculptures for the Spring into the Museum Tree Trail. Look out for the faces in the trees as you discover the trees of #Quexgardens during our Spring into the Museum event next month!
#Behindthescenes #ReimaginingtheMuseum #QuexGardens #Sunshineproject #Learning #thanetcommunity
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
The Sunshine Project is in receipt of a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimuseums, @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams
https://aim-museums.co.uk/connected-communities-marketing-guidelines/
This week our artist in residence @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics, has been working with local groups as part of the exciting community outreach initiative - The Sunshine Project.
Here we can see Julia teaching the group how to make leaf imprints into the clay as they prepare sculptures for the Spring into the Museum Tree Trail. Look out for the faces in the trees as you discover the trees of #Quexgardens during our Spring into the Museum event next month!
#Behindthescenes #ReimaginingtheMuseum #QuexGardens #Sunshineproject #Learning #thanetcommunity
@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
The Sunshine Project is in receipt of a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimuseums, @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams
https://aim-museums.co.uk/connected-communities-marketing-guidelines/
Museum Close Up:
On his visit to China during his World trip, Percy took great interest in the manufacturing of silk. He brought home a quantity of silk fabric and some Chinese robes decorated with embroidery. (We believe that the embroideries in the Oriental Drawing Room came from these robes. We know they were originally sewn onto silk fabric, which deteriorated over the years and was replaced with the current material on display.)
The stunning images on the embroideries include typical Chinese subjects - dragons, waves, clouds, insects, birds and flowers in rich gold, green, blue and orange colours.
#kentmuseums #museumcloseup #reimaginingthemuseum #powellcottonmuseum #visitkent #visitthanet
Museum Close Up:
On his visit to China during his World trip, Percy took great interest in the manufacturing of silk. He brought home a quantity of silk fabric and some Chinese robes decorated with embroidery. (We believe that the embroideries in the Oriental Drawing Room came from these robes. We know they were originally sewn onto silk fabric, which deteriorated over the years and was replaced with the current material on display.)
The stunning images on the embroideries include typical Chinese subjects - dragons, waves, clouds, insects, birds and flowers in rich gold, green, blue and orange colours.
#kentmuseums #museumcloseup #reimaginingthemuseum #powellcottonmuseum #visitkent #visitthanet
From our Spring events all the way through to December`s wreath-making workshops, your support and engagement throughout 2023 has been wonderful and so gratefully received.
We have so much to share with you next year, we can`t wait to get started!
Thank you from all of the staff and volunteers and...
Happy New Year!
#powellcottonmuseum #museummaker #reimaginingthemuseum
From our Spring events all the way through to December`s wreath-making workshops, your support and engagement throughout 2023 has been wonderful and so gratefully received.
We have so much to share with you next year, we can`t wait to get started!
Thank you from all of the staff and volunteers and...
Happy New Year!
#powellcottonmuseum #museummaker #reimaginingthemuseum
A photograph from the archives...Percy Powell-Cotton enjoying the winter snow in Quex Gardens.
#museumskent #powellcottonmuseum #quexhouseandgardens #visitkent #reimaginingthemuseum #fromthearchives #behindthescenes
A photograph from the archives...Percy Powell-Cotton enjoying the winter snow in Quex Gardens.
#museumskent #powellcottonmuseum #quexhouseandgardens #visitkent #reimaginingthemuseum #fromthearchives #behindthescenes