This project brings together four diverse collections covering the history of Runcorn and Widnes on the River Mersey held separately in Catalyst Chemical Museum, Runcorn Town Hall, Halton’s Libraries and Norton Priory Museum. The collections are being catalogued in a database for future ease of public access, while artist Jeni McConnell is exploring the collections and presenting them to the public through personal interpretation, themed displays and public events.
Jeni McConnell’s exhibition Playful Order opens at the Brindley arts centre on 21 August. Join us for an artist’s talk in the gallery on Tuesday 14 September 6-8pm. Refreshments will be served.
This week I seem to be faced with logistic challenges. How to transport a replica medieval bench is the first one.
On Friday 4 June, project artist Jeni McConnell and I cycled from the Lion Salt Works at Marston on the Trent & Mersey and Bridgewater canals to Catalyst, giving out over 100 salt drawings which Jeni had made, and talking to people about the importance of salt to the development of Runcorn and Widnes and the chemical industry. This event was linked to Northwich Heritage Week, http://www.gettinghere.co.uk/northwich-heritage-week/saltlinescycleride/
Visit the exhibition Playful Order: Exploring Halton’s Collections, by Jeni McConnell at Norton Priory Museum & Gardens from 25 February – 19 April. Do we all, at some point in our lives gather a personal collection of objects and documents that reflect our own history and journey through life?
For opening times visit www.nortonpriory.org
