If ever you want to be inspired by a huge eclectic mix of artefacts, then this is the place for you to visit!
A group from MTF went on for a study day facilitated by Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery curators Zelina Garland and Jeremy Ross. We were shown around the whole 4.5 acre warehouse, which is home to the artefacts owned by the Birmingham Museum but not currently on display. If you can imagine a B&Q warehouse full to the gunnels of objects as diverse as generators, skeletons, sculpture, costume, ceremonial weapons, not-so-ceremonial weapons (!), wireless, natural history, ceramics from all over the world, then you’re beginning to get an idea of the treat in store!
With the two curators on hand to give us a guided tour, and then to open wire-mesh fronted cases so that we could have items out to study in depth, we were able to indulge in serious study, whether photographing (permission forms required), or drawing or painting. Choices of articles to examine more closely ranged from exquisite shoes and bags to a crocodile, from butterflies to kimono, hand-made bobbin lace to African musical instruments. www.bmag.org.uk