Past Events at the Museum of Farnham

A History of Farnham in 50 objects

The year began with the launch of the dynamic ever changing temporary exhibition at the Museum of Farnham. Throughout the year every week the Curator will be adding one object to the temporary exhibition room. The objects chosen are from the reserve collections and therefore not usually on display. Each object tells its own story about Farnham and the people who have lived in the town. From Mammoth Tusks to fine art and Roman roof tiles to teddy bears there is something for everyone in this ever changing exhibition.

Curator Talks

Each month the Curator of the Museum of Farnham will give a talk on the four new objects to be added to the 'History of Farnham in 50 objects' exhibition. These are very interactive talks where the curator brings out additional material from the archives and other objects for people to handle. The talks have been very well attended so far this year so come along to the next one. Check the events page for details of when the next talk is. 

February Half Term

Our two day February Half Term event, Arty Artefacts, was a huge success with hundreds of people visiting us in the two day free drop in sessions. Craft activities based on the artefacts recently placed on display in the 'A History of Farnham in 50 Objects' exhibition brought the objects to life for the children. The Mammoth masks were a particular success and the Punch and Judy show 'Mr Punch goes to goal' (drawing inspiration from the Farnham goal lock on display) was a huge hit.

Easter

Easter activities for 2011 were entitled Brasses, Bunnies and Bonnets. To compliment the new exhibition of Bonnets and hats placed on display in the Museum the Education Officer created a trail around the museum so that children could find out which of the forgetful rabbits hiding in the museum had lost their bonnets! The trail was popular with older children but all ages with an arty side enjoyed the free drop in craft activities including making your own bonnet, a bunny copter and bunny masks. We also arranged outings for small groups to St Andrews Church to do some real brass rubbings. This was by special arrangement with the church and thoroughly enjoyed by all. There was also a brilliant trail around the museum created by one of our volunteers which meant people could find out more about the history of the church.

Emerge

In April a collection of designer-makers displayed their works in the Garden Gallery in a beautiful exhibition entitled Emerge. The 8 designer-makers displayed unique works of ceramics glass and metal. It was also a brilliant chance to buy original art at affordable prices and we hope to host more exhibitions like this in the future.

Maria Kinsela - A Talk about Hats and Bonnets

To link with our Easter activities Maria Kinsela, local bespoke hat maker, gave a detailed and intriguing talk about the creation and history of hats with a special focus on bonnets. Her talk was very informative but also laced with tales of her experiences in the hat world including making hats for 'Anna and the King', creating a Medieval wimple and a showgirls headpiece. Afterwards the audience was able to try on a variety of fabulous hats and ask Maria all about hat making.

SOMA

For Three days in May 8 second Year Photography students from the University of the Creative Arts, Farnham. Exhibited their work for the public to enjoy. They had a very successful opening event which was open to all and the public could ask the students about their work. We hope that many more art students will exhibit in the Garden Gallery in the future. 

Local History Morning

In May theFarnham and District Museum Society held their first Local History Morning in the Garden Gallery. They had screens and tables full of photographs, documents, maps and objects relating to Farnham and were on hand to answer any questions the public might have about farnham. The event was linked to their recent seminars on Schools and Teachers in Farnham, Crime and Punishment in Farnham and Medieval Community in Farnham. The event was open to all and such a success that it will be repeated next May. Each year the Society runs many seminars and talks so be sure to check their website and their page on the Museum of Farnham website regularly.

Travelling Bazaar Christmas Pop Up Shop

For two days in December the Garden Gallery was transformed into a magical christmas shopping experience by the ladies from the Travelling Bazaar. They were selling wonderful products perfect for people looking for Christmas present goodies. This was the first Pop Up shop to use the space and we hope that it will not be the last.

Christmas Pantomime Activities

This years Christmas activities were linked to pantomimes. Throughout December children could use the pantomime trail to help the pantomime characters to find their props which they had carelessly lost around the museum. We also had a Keeping Back the Dark storycart containing museum objects, books and games which illustrated how people throughout history have kept back the dark during the long winter months. Our main activity occurred the weekend before Christmas. Children could watch a Victorian Toy Theatre production of the Tinderbox and then make their own theater to take home and show their friends and family.