Today’s maxwell museums friday briefing is presented with the Wonder House.
Happy Friday.
First things first: *self-promotion klaxon* I’ve written another article for National Geographic Traveller UK. This time, I’ve picked 7 of the best public artworks in East London, featuring Antony Gormley’s biggest sculpture (yes, bigger than the Angel of the North) and the UK’s tallest sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit by Anish Kapoor. It’s a huge privilege to write for this iconic travel brand so please do take a read so they have me back!
Second things second: isn’t it great that there’s a new administration in the White House? I know it’s not museum related, but I still have to pinch myself slightly that the past 4 years are now behind us. Civility, decency and democracy prevailed.
Now, enjoy this week’s round up of the major news!
Your new podcast should be the Wonder House, a series that shares innovative ideas for people-centred projects. Hosted by Dr Sushma Jansari, Curator of the South Asia Collections at the British Museum, each episode features an interview on ground-breaking work that resonates beyond museums and archives. Recent interviewees include Arike Oke, the Director Black Cultural Archives, and Dan Vo, founder of the award-winning LGBTQ+ volunteer-led tours at the V&A. Season 3 has just kicked off, with a chat about Egypt's Dispersed Heritage.
Final resting place. The award for the most timely news announcement goes to the Museum of London who announced they had acquired the famous Trump balloon that depicts the ex-president (that feels good to type) as a baby. This made global headlines. Bravo. The Independent
The change in Spain. Madrid’s Prado Museum is to rehang it’s permanent collection to make it ‘far more inclusive’ and to ensure greater representation of works by female and foreign artists. The Guardian
Relocation, relocation. How’s this for a new acquisition? An abandoned 19th century library in Dudley is to be dismantled brick-by-brick and rebuilt at the Black Country Living Museum. Yes, the entire thing! Birmingham Live
Mark your diaries. The V&A has revealed it will host a major exhibition on “the irresistible creativity, ingenuity and unstoppable global impact” of African fashion. It will open in 2022, which feels like about a century away right now. Refinery 29
Front line of culture war. UK Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has said any decision to remove statues will now require planning permission and a consultation with local communities, to protect them from “baying mobs.” the i
In response. Former culture minister Ed Vaizey (who I interviewed in this newsletter two weeks ago) singled out Robert Jenrick’s proposals as “ridiculously provocative” and accused Boris Johnson’s government of pursuing a “pathetic” anti-woke agenda. The Independent
Stepping up. London’s Science Museum is one of a number of UK museums being transformed into Covid-19 vaccine centres. The Art Newspaper
Crisis continues. UK art charity Art Fund have reiterated their warning that museums and galleries are “fighting for survival” as they reveal new emergency support. I know I keep saying it, but the next few years are going to be grim. BBC News
Light at the end of the tunnel? Italy's Uffizi Gallery reopened yesterday after 77 days of closure, which is definitely something to cheer. France 24
Paintings on a plate. Meanwhile the Uffizi has also invited some of Italy’s most celebrated chefs to whip up dishes inspired by its priceless artworks, all for a new Facebook series. The Telegraph
Teeter-Totter. Pink see-saws that crossed the US-Mexico boarder have won the prestigious Beazley Design of the Year award from the Design Museum. CNN
and a bonus read
Netflix film the Dig, all about the discovery of the 7th-century Anglo-Saxon burial ship at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, is out next week. It’s star, Ralph Fiennes, is interviewed in today’s Times about how his role was “a culmination of life decisions, events and career choices” and how the film “requires a certain amount of emotional excavation.”
All the content in this newsletter is provided to you for free. Why not buy me a digital coffee if you enjoyed it?