Kingston students have teamed-up with the Dorich House Museum to promote education for young people.
Eve Carson
Kingston University students and graduates are working on a collaboration with Dorich House Museum later this month.
The scheme, Connection Connections, organised by Natalie Kay, is a special programme of educational events and projects which received funding from KU Opportunity Fund.
“Dorich House Museum runs a successful programme of educational workshops for primary schools and local young people. Our workshops have earned an excellent reputation,” said Ms Kay.
According to the curator, Brenda Martin, students can get involved through volunteering. In the past, KU students have run children’s art workshops and helped to design adverts and postcards for the museum.
Ms Martin said that one of the best projects was the Young Curators project, for students aged 19-20, because it was encouraging to hear how young people saw the museum.
“The really scary thing is if you’re in a job a long time, you’ve just had your own view of the place and it’s actually a different world. It’s just so nice to get a different view on things, and it’s informative, it gives you information that you hadn’t seen,” said Ms Martin.
Recently the museum held a ceremony for Kingston University students who had received awards for their voluntary contributions to the community. This was attended by Julius Weinberg, KU Vice Chancellor.
The museum opens once a fortnight from 11am to 4pm. Students can enjoy a free tour of the museum and learn the history of the building.
“We would like to be more locked into the university. It would be lovely to have students wandering in and out,” said Ms Martin.
Kingston University restored the house between 1993 and 1996, and in 2004 it was awarded museum status.
The museum holds the work of internationally acclaimed Estonian sculptor, Dora Gordine.
“Dora Gordine was an amazing, amazing person, not just a female artist,” said Ms Martin.
The collection features Dora’s sculptures, paintings and drawings; while the structure and interior echo Dora’s design influence from her Estonian background and her love for South East Asia.
The museum will be opening for two special events at Christmas, including an evening of music and poetry. The next opening is Thursday October 25 for a seasonal evening tour. Booking is recommended.