Museum News
Major acquisition: A watercolour painting by JMW Turner entitled Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight has been given to the museum by the Museums, Libraries & Archives Council in lieu of inheritance tax under the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme. It was officially handed over at a ceremony performed by Major General Martin White, Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight on 8th April. It is the first original work by Turner to be acquired by a public museum on the island, and joins our extensive collection of other 19th century local topographic watercolours. The Friends of Carisbrooke Castle Museum are providing funds for a bespoke showcase to house the painting which will go on public display in June.
Museum Accreditation: In March the museum became 'Accredited' by the Museums, Libraries & Archives Council. The Accreditation scheme sets nationally agreed standards for all museums in the UK, and Carisbrooke Castle Museum's award proves that it measures up, meeting the guidelines on how it is run, how it looks after its collections and the services it provides for visitors.
Exhibitions: The current temporary exhibition, Toys from the Past, will continue until June. It will then be replaced by a new exhibition on the Isle of Wight Rifles and Territorial Army, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Territorial Army.
The spring programme of museum study days has been arranged. Attendance must be pre-booked. Please phone the museum (523112) or email (chris.carismus@tiscali.co.uk)for your ticket. There is no charge, but a donation towards the costs of arranging the programme would be greatly appreciated.
Saturday 15 March 2008: An 18th-century Workhouse: The Isle of Wight House of Industry, How it came to be, and the daily life of the house 1774-1836: Talk by Johanna Jones with the chance to view relevant items from the museum collection
Saturday 26 April 2008: Carisbrooke Priory, Past and Present: Talks by Peter Clarke and Reverend Gerard Flynn on the history of the Priory and on vestments in the museum collections; tour of the Priory and talk by Reverend Chris Lane
Saturday 10 May 2008: The Captive King: Charles I at Carisbrooke Castle: Talks by Rosemary Cooper on King Charles's imprisonment, a tour of relevant parts of the castle, and a chance to view items from the collections
Museum study days were developed as a small part of an education and outreach project generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Their purpose is to promote access to the museum's collections, in particular to material not on current display.