From 10.30am until 3pm, visitors will be able to explore a range of crafts throughout the museum. From the traditional skills undertaken by women, including spinning and knitting, to the so-called ‘devil’s work’ of the printer’s and the blacksmith’s, there’ll be a huge range of activities taking place.
Entry to the event is included within standard museum admission, giving access to a day of live demonstrations. It’s the first of a programme of days which will be hosted once a month this season.
Collections Manager Rosie Barrett said: “Our incredibly skilled volunteers will be on hand all day to share their knowledge with visitors. Many of these are time-honoured skills, and we’re delighted to be able to shine a light on them and keep them alive. You don’t have to go very far back to a time when many housewives would have been churning their own butter by hand or making their own rugs out of rags, as a matter of course – but nowadays, such skills in danger of being forgotten.”
A highlight of the event is a chance to see the museum’s spectacular Columbian Printing Press in action. “It’s certainly a significant object,” adds Rosie, “and very eye-catching! Standing proudly in the new Printing Gallery, our impressive machine was designed by American inventor, George Clymer, in the early 19th century. At that time, it marked a revolutionary step forward in printing technology.” The press will be fully operational throughout the day.
Further craft days will be held on Saturday 21 June, Monday 14 July, Monday 11 August and Monday 8 September. You can find out more information on the website: www.beckislemuseum.org.uk
About Beck Isle Museum
Beck Isle Museum shares the rich history of Pickering, a bustling market town on the edge of the North York Moors. Discover this fascinating story through historic shops and hands-on exhibits and learn about the lives of those who helped shape the town. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities, special events, and a picturesque beck-side spot, perfect for picnics. The museum is housed in a Grade II* listed building, the only one of its kind in Pickering.
