On Wednesday 24th July 2019, twelve pupils from New Mills School went on a trip to the Manchester Museum, where they got to visit behind-the-scenes in the specimen stores, and unleash their creativity…

BOTANY AND ENTOMOLOGY STORES

For the first half of the day, the pupils were giving a tour of the Herbarium and spoken to by Curator of Botany Rachel Webster. The pupils were shown how specimens are kept, and were explained why, and I think they were blown away by the vast quantity are kept in storage! Thereafter the pupils were guided around the Entomology Stores by Curator of Arthropods Dmitri Logunov, and were shown draws of rare and endangered insects… and also many colourful ones!

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DRAWING THE COLLECTIONS

After the tours, both Rachel and Dmitri kindly allowed us to draw several of their specimens in the Collections room – the pupils were able to study these more closely, resulting in carefully considered drawings in little handmade books:

NATURE’S LIBRARY ART CANVAS

After a short break, the pupils split into groups of three. They were given just over an hour to look around Nature’s Library, and were each given a blank A5 canvas on which to create art inspired by anything in the gallery space… The results were varied and very creative – ranging from collaged birds and butterflies, and drawn sea shells and insects!

KNIT AND NATTER WORKSHOP

Who would have thought that knitting a vegetable could open up conversation about an incredibly valuable growing space for women’s health and wellbeing. Come and have a knit and a natter and meet those who care about growing food – particularly the special ingredients to make much loved recipes passed down for generations.

This event was part of “Who Cares?” exhibition – a growing collection of stories about people caring for nature across Greater Manchester. The pupils took part in this workshop, led by knitter Sarah, and their resilience and patience were tested to the max as many of them had never knitted before! Nevertheless the atmosphere was relaxed and many of the pupils are considering learning more how to do this craft:

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE TRIP?

“I really liked learning about the insects such as butterflies and bugs because they were really pretty and different to the normal ones I see.”

“I enjoyed the Knit and Natter.”

“I have enjoyed the talk from the curators and viewing the insects and butterflies in the drawers beyond the museum. It was insightful and beautiful.”

“My favourite thing was seeing the living animals and getting a knitted carrot because it was cool.”

“I loved seeing behind the scenes, and seeing all the stored specimens. Exploring and creating our own artwork really tested my creativity. Awesome day!”

“I have enjoyed Dmitri’s animals, they were cool.”

“I enjoyed looking at the butterflies and beetles.”

“I enjoyed everything but my favourite was the collage activity.”

“I have enjoyed drawing things from the books and the bugs. It was fun and relaxing.”

“Looking at the bugs and butterflies because you don’t normally see them up close.”

“My favourite part of the day was decorating the canvas because it was nice to be able to draw anything.”

“I have really enjoyed this trip, especially seeing all the beetles and butterflies. I also enjoyed the knit and natter which was very relaxing.”