Dear all
I received this press release from a colleague this morning, and hadn't seen it before so wondered if it was new to others in the archives sector?
It struck a chord with me in the light of the discussion about "archive fever" at the Access & Impact seminar in Liverpool yesterday arranged through ARMRen (more details at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/slais/research/armren/). Aren't using original archive documents "unique experiences"?? Perhaps another time the "extraordinarily diverse heritage sector" might look wider than "museums, galleries and historic properties"?
Sarah
in my personal capacity
M Sarah Wickham
Principal Officer, Archives & Local Studies Service
Environment and Development Services
Central Library & Arts Centre
Walker Place
Rotherham S65 1JH
Tel. +44 (0)1709 823612
Email [log in to unmask]
Think before you print - please consider the impact on the environment before printing this document.
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Unique UK heritage experiences up for grabs on eBay - the countdown begins!
It's a rare thing to get the chance to actually fulfil your wildest dreams, but in just a month's time, in October 2007, there will be an extraordinary opportunity to bid for unique experiences and 'behind the scenes' activities as the UK's museums, galleries and historic properties go online with 'TopLots' - the first eBay auction of its kind, featuring exclusive lots from UK's extraordinarily diverse heritage sector
Up for grabs will be a whole range of experiences from museums large and small, historic houses and heritage properties from all regions, with opportunities to explore rare collections, go 'behind the scenes', or take part in an unprecedented way. New lots are being added daily, but those already on the list include the opportunities to:
· Drive 'Puffing Billy', hold a piece of the planet Mars, or learn to sword fight from the man who taught the Monty Python teaml
· Step into costume and character and live the lives of Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn (Hampton Court Palace); a Roman soldier; a miner; or even a suffragette
· Light the first fire to get Flying Scotsman moving again, operate a beam engine, drive a tram or make sparks fly as a trainee blacksmith
· Discover hidden treasures guided by experts, from 7th century glass to dinosaur fossils, from Turner landscapes to Penny Blacks, from East Asian gems to live amphibians - or even come face to face with Archie the biggest squid in the world!
· Explore behind-the-scenes of castles, palaces or manors - with expert and celebrity guides - or even the 26th generation resident and lord of the manor!
· 'Access all areas' normally out of bounds - inside the stones at Stonehenge; up on the roof of Hampton Court Palace; or on Concorde's Flight Deck
· Try your hand as an archaeologist; create your own quilt, piece of glass, coracle or piece of rope; have your portrait painted, or be fitted for a corset!
· Get closer to great English authors 'at home' with Jane Austen, the Brontes, Agatha Christie or Roald Dahl
· Walk and talk with renowned experts 'on their own patch' - London with Simon Thurley; Stonehenge with Julian Richard, Kenilworth Castle with David Starkey, the Walker Art Gallery with Loyd Grosman.
· Dine in extraordinary surroundings in Waddesden Manor, or a Tudor baronial House, or in the Ward Room of the last remaining WWII destroyer; or sip champagne on Concorde's Flight Deck or in Hidcotes glorious gardens.
· And many many more...
Privileged access, exclusive experiences, and unique memories to treasure will be on offer - ideal gifts for enthusiasts with a passion for their subjects, unusual corporate events and family outings.
Visit www.toplots.co.uk now to browse the already extensive, and constantly growing list of lots, and to register to be reminded of the auction start.
TopLots auction is live on eBay from 1 October, for a month on www.ebay.co.uk/toplots. Each lot will run for 10 days within that period.
Organised to generate vital new funds for the participating museums, galleries and heritage properties - all not-for-profit organisations, this is the first time ever there has been the opportunity to bid online for such an extraordinary selection of heritage lots. The TopLots heritage auction is run in partnership between eBay, the Association for Independent Museums and UK heritage fundraising specialists, Development Partners, working closely with VisitBritain and EnjoyEngland.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Note to Editors:
For further information, or images in support of the various lots, please contact:
Jean Hunter [log in to unmask] 0845 1301621
Development Partners work with cultural, heritage and education organisations on fundraising, development and marketing, and are based in Oxford, York and London.
Jean Hunter, Judy Niner [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask]
Development Partners
www.development-partners.co.uk
0845 1301621
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