AN ARTS project that allows free after-hours access to Newton Abbot Museum is attracting a growing number of participants.
The Twilight Sketching sessions are for people of all abilities and have been taking place each fortnight for the past 18 months.
Those attending are encouraged to use the 17,000 objects in the collection as their inspiration.
Now the organisers are hoping to increase the number who enjoy the opportunity even further as they ramp up plans for a new museum extension providing better storage and improved public access to the treasured items.
‘Everything we do is about the collection,’ said Community Outreach Worker Kate Green.
‘Having people come in after hours creates a new means of allowing them to interact with the objects, interpret them in a unique way and produce artworks which themselves become part of the museum’s story.
‘Our What’s in Store project will deliver much better facilities for the collection and public alike and as we embark on that journey we’d like as many people as possible to help shape the outcome.
‘Museums aren’t stuffy silent places, they’re alive with inspiration from the past that can help shape our future.
‘Come and be part of this exciting opportunity, we’ll even provide the paper and pencils plus a free cuppa.’
For the November 11 session Kate brought out items dating back to the First World War.
They included postcards from the front line, a bugle, medals and trench art, none of which is usually on display.
Among those capturing their stories on paper was David Bailey who only started drawing again earlier this year after a break of 30 years.
He said: ‘You look at things differently when you draw them. Standing in front of them for a while, you look at it, really understand how it’s made and what it’s made of.
‘The light that shines on it, the textures it has, the colours, it all means you enjoy the objects more.’
In addition to the artistic pleasure the sessions bring, there’s companionship and support too.
Former Museum Curator Felicity Cole is also among those who take part.
‘It’s that common denominator of art that appeals to me, it doesn’t feel clubby,’ she said.
‘It just feels natural and as someone said to me, you’ve found your tribe.’
All ages attend including seven-year-old Ernest and his brother Arthur, 11.
‘We come because we like drawing, we like being creative,’ said Arthur.
Ernest drew a World War Two American checkers set and himself wearing a vintage top hat, an act that took him to a past he never knew.
‘It felt really good,’ he said.
Mum Hannah Couch added: ‘There’s always something to sort out clean or cook, but actually just coming here and doing something creative is more important. And the only cost was a a three-minute walk down the road.’
The fortnightly 4pm – 6pm Twilight Sketching sessions are free to attend and booking is not required.
Visit www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk for details.
Above: Details of a Felicity Cole drawing
Below: Tina Fox studying the Sandford Orleigh Screen
Below Hannah Couch
Above Therese Rowe and David Bailey
Below Arthur Couch
Above: Ernest Couch drawing the American WW2 checkers set
