The Whitaker (once
known as Rossendale Museum and Art Gallery) is based in Rawtenstall,
Lancashire, set in beautiful parkland. It combines beautiful art, local
discoveries and some of the quirkiest Victorian natural history. Behind the bold Georgian façade, you can not
only feast your eyes on a whole collection of preserved wildlife and antiquities, but enjoy restaurant-quality
food and artistically engaged surroundings. It is an inspiring approach to
modern museum management you need to check out - engaging people’s appetites
and emotions.
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| There are a number of natural history features |
I have been a visitor to the museum since being a child –
and the dedication so many people have for this place highlights how relevant
the Whitaker still is. It is a museum which crucially makes and sustains
relationships with people – a powerful quality. From penny-farthings to
preserved animals, archaeological discoveries and art through the ages; it uses
artefacts to change the way we look at the Lancashire locality (as well as
further afield). Especially striking is its archaeology collection, with
specimens steeped in stories – there are flints and tools telling of much earlier
ancestors, and even a shrunken head (!); within centimetres of your own
hands!
Active and changing displays mean that there is something for everyone including a contemporary art gallery, changing exhibitions and main galleries recently refurbished by The Whitaker Group.
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| 'Landskipping' is an exhibition running until 24th April |
Old-fashioned charm meets a contemporary twist: A real night at the museum?
And if that’s not enough to intrigue you… what it helps to
remember, is that this is a place where old-fashioned charm meets a
contemporary twist! It’s hosted a Bowie
tribute event, acoustic evenings and is certainly is providing a bold presence
for 2016; with a luxurious bar on-site,
dining specials and the chance to really engage with local talent – in the form
of open mic nights and talks. Too often
‘local museums’ are stereotyped as stuffy and ‘shutting out’ many people, but
here people are welcomed to contribute, not just consume. This is crucial.
Preserving the past, whilst providing a platform for the
present; The Whitaker highlights what a modern museum should be all about.
The Open Mic Nights
are especially exciting, taking place on Wednesday evenings until 11pm; with a
number of musicians and poets already getting involved.
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| The bar, complete with fresh bakes! |
History, food and unfolding the arts – all possible in one place
The Whitaker provides a charming place where you can uncover
the past just as easily as you can engage with the present. Treat your
tastebuds to their eatery selection, which features a modern menu – and Lancashire
favourites served with modern flair. Taking local history and tradition into
account, the Whitaker even makes their food an educated and immersive
experience like no other. Even just a ‘ham,
cheese and pickle’ sandwich is transformed here; instead a tartine featuring warm ham hock, pickled vegetables, Branston
puree, apple, crumbly Lancashire cheese and black pudding! All food is
prepared
with dedication and care – including their children’s menu.
This is far beyond the bland ‘refectories’ common to most
contemporary museums; as well as being open 10am-4pm Wednesday-Sunday, ‘Foody
Friday’ evenings, Sunday Breakfast and Sunday Lunch opportunities are also
available. Seasonal evening options incorporate careful preparation and stunning presentation; ideal as a special treat. Plus their breakfast should not be
missed; a full English complete with local Riley’s bacon and award winning
sausage, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding and choice of poached or
fried eggs with toast.
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| Can you believe that this is Museum food? |
Covering the senses
In this light, the Whitaker seems to cover the senses; a
modern and innovative approach to operating a museum which engages with people
directly. This can be recreational – including the bar which is open until 11pm
on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings – as well as educational; not only in the form of the fascinating local
history collection but a refurbished
conference suite, complete with multi-functional IT facilities.
It’s not too far from the M66 and therefore is a
straightforward journey, even from Manchester. For more information about The
Whitaker you can visit the website. http://www.thewhitaker.org/
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