Rather like a swan, the River & Rowing Museum looks very calm from the outside, watching intently over the Thames at the re-emerging wildlife as everything comes to life this spring. Yes, the Museum, like many other charities, is currently closed to the public. But behind the scenes is a flurry of activity as the team beavers away at home, readying the Museum’s collections, planning educational programmes and preparing an exciting schedule of special exhibitions and events.
But the team isn’t just forward planning. They are very much concerned about the present and supporting the community in these unprecedented times. The educational team are creating and sharing a raft of free learning resources, as well as Mr Toad at Home bringing families creative ideas and inspiration to keep the children entertained at home.
For a welcome escape from the news, the curatorial team are sharing exciting stories and insights linked to their collection via social media. Natalie Patel, Head Curator at the Museum says: “With over 20,000 objects in the Museum’s online collection, this is the perfect opportunity to share some of our more obscure objects with the public. But we’re also mindful of the fact that everyone is desperate for some escapism, so we’ll also be sharing some incredibly beautiful objects, photographs and paintings, bringing the river and nature to you – the outside in. So follow us @river_rowing and look for #allinthesameboat.”
Your Museum needs YOU
The temporary closure of the Museum, however, sees its income reduced enormously, with no admissions, events, shop or Café. Sarah Posey, Director, says: “We are a charity, and our funding relies on our visitors and wonderful supporters, not government. We are asking you, our community, to help us where you can, to weather the current storm, enabling us to continue with our important educational work. All donations, however small, will be very gratefully received, and will help us to secure the future of the Museum.”
Donate to the Museum now at rrm.co.uk