Re: Developments at Avebury | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

R

Resonox Feb 17, 2011 10:45:23

Replying to Littlestone

Littlestone wrote:

There was a sculpture exhibition at the British Museum some years ago called Please Touch. In a world where we’re so often told not to touch this was a refreshing change... the exhibition was principally for the visually impaired.

The BM is very "anti-touching"...usually as a preservation for the artefacts....but on a school trip(as an assistant..not a pupil) some years back....students were often told off for leaning against exhibit cases.
I one of the ancient Greek statue rooms...the surly curator was like a stuck recording just intoning over and over "Don't touch!"...without any explanation.....so I gathered my group to explain the damage that touching, even lightly, can inflict on these marbles./..so I got them to do a little experiment(I even got Mizz Surly Curator to join in...you can try it yourself....and use it to impress young relatives...)
Lick the back of your hand.
Wave it about a bit till it dries naturally.
Then smell the dried area.
It doesn't smell nice(and no-one is immune)...

It's due to various bacteria on the skin and in saliva interacting...but just mention to kids it's "Horrible germs and that these germs can damage old statues"...and hey presto...a highly effective deterrent...with the "yuk" factor that youngsters appreciate.

S

Sanctuary Feb 17, 2011 10:45:26

Replying to Littlestone

Littlestone wrote:

Well said, think I agree with everything there. This bit though rings very true -

A simple trackway for wheelchairs around the henge would brighten the lives of many many people who are missing out on so much that we all take for granted. There is so much more that could be done to enhance everybodies enjoyment of what our fantastic great ancestors have bequeathed us.

Yup, we’re so often not allowed, or can’t, ‘get up close’ but provided no harm is done to an object or site that provision should be encouraged.

There was a sculpture exhibition at the British Museum some years ago called Please Touch. In a world where we’re so often told not to touch this was a refreshing change... the exhibition was principally for the visually impaired.

I'm not ashamed to admit to this LS but some years ago a blind and physically disabled lady was being pushed around the SW quadrant and was being hepled out of her wheelchair by another lady because she wanted to hug a stone. I helped to support her as she held on to the stone and had tears in my eyes as she herself cried tears of joy because she had been blind since birth and it was something she had always wanted to do after hearing so much about them. She actually 'thanked' the stone for allowing her to do it and I felt really humble I can tell you. I drove home on air that night.

S

Sanctuary Feb 17, 2011 12:16:31

Replying to Littlestone

Littlestone wrote:

Well said, think I agree with everything there. This bit though rings very true -

A simple trackway for wheelchairs around the henge would brighten the lives of many many people who are missing out on so much that we all take for granted. There is so much more that could be done to enhance everybodies enjoyment of what our fantastic great ancestors have bequeathed us.

Yup, we’re so often not allowed, or can’t, ‘get up close’ but provided no harm is done to an object or site that provision should be encouraged.

There was a sculpture exhibition at the British Museum some years ago called Please Touch. In a world where we’re so often told not to touch this was a refreshing change... the exhibition was principally for the visually impaired.

I have a problem with all what we are proposing though and one that I have raised before. None of this will come cheap and if too much is done then you must be prepared for the thing we have all dreaded...having to pay to enter the henge! No matter what we all think it really is only a matter of time. If the money can't be made or raised one way that will be the last resort...and it'll be taken for sure! I don't mind personally as long as it is reasonably charged but as we have seen at that place 20 miles down the road, don't 'bank' on it!!