Thanks to the Association of Independent Museums ‘Tackling Inequalities Hallmarks Grant Award’ supported by Arts Council England, we were able to develop and launch ‘Breaking out of the Museum’, a new outreach programme bringing the Powell-Cotton Museum into the classroom.
This exciting year-long project kick-started a sustainable, long-term outreach programme for the Museum. Bringing cultural heritage into the classroom is more important than ever. As schools continue their amazing work under difficult circumstances, we will support children’s learning. Taking our passion for discussing the past from multiple points of view, these resources will not only feed into the National Curriculum but also provide age-appropriate and thoughtful ways for children to think critically about the world around them.
The grant funded two projects; ‘What’s in the Box?’ and ‘World on our Doorstep’. Between April 2021 and July 2022 the loans box service reached over 750 pupils.
‘What’s in the Box?’
This resource offers KS1-2 pupils the use of a museum loans box, including objects, activities, and curriculum links, as well as a virtual session with one of the Museum’s Learning and Engagement Officers.
We have two loans boxes: Natural History and Trading Textiles. Each box contains real museum objects, a teacher’s guide, and suggested learning activities, and is linked to the National Curriculum. The Natural History loans box offers a unique hook into Animals and their Habitats, Adaptation and Teeth. The Trading Textiles loans box introduces designing and printing textiles that tell stories. It looks at the history of Kente, Adinkra and Kanga textiles from Africa, and the techniques and symbolism used to produce them.
‘World on our Doorstep’
The unit of work, suitable for KS2 children, uses the life and collections of the Powell-Cotton family to support learning about the British Empire, colonialism, local history, and how ideas and attitudes of the past impact us today. We created this resource in collaboration with Ramsgate Arts Primary School. A series of meetings, testing resources, and gathering feedback ensured this product met the needs of teachers and children. Nick Budge, Headteacher said:
The World on our Doorstep topic really helps to diversify the history curriculum. The content is easy to use and the objects in the loans box bring it to life, as well as visiting the museum. The topic enabled our children to talk about colonisation and discuss if it was a good or bad thing and form their own opinions.
This approach has led to sustained engagement, which has benefited both parties, and we are looking forward to working together on more projects in the future.
Project Team
Director
Emma-Jayne Hamlington
Learning and Engagement Officer
The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Fiona Moore
former Learning and Engagement Officer
The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Dr Inbal Livne
former Head of Collections
The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
You may also be interested in
Loan Boxes
What's in the Box? We are excited to offer our new loan boxes to primary and secondary schools in the local area.
Learning
We have an exciting and engaging learning programme for schools and home educators. Teachers, parents and students, we are here to help enrich your learning experience.
Collections
The majority of the Museum's collections originate from the African and Asian continents. This includes over 20,000 world-culture objects, 6500 mammal specimens, and fine and decorative arts.
@powellcottonmuseum
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
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