“Hayle Heritage and Young Minds”
Between January and March 2025, the 1st St Erth Guides carried out a Mini Museum Takeover at Hayle Heritage Centre. The programme was designed and led by Liz Howell assisted by Harriet Stephens.
Four workshops were devised (aimed at 10-14 year-olds) exploring Hayle Heritage Centre’s collection of objects, photography, artwork and more. Over this period, the group collected, curated, drew and painted their responses to Hayle’s rich history.
The sessions were as follows:
1st Session: In the first session, the Guides were invited “behind the scenes” and encouraged to explore the collections. Daisy, Hayle Heritage Centre Curator, talked through a number of objects and the stories behind them, highlighting Hayle’s rich history. The Guides considered their favourite objects, discussed interpretation in museums and practiced observational drawing. Working together, they then began working a large group mural, working with mixed media to develop their preliminary sketches. The Guides identified a theme of “Industry and Nature” and shortlisted several objects for display.
2nd session: The Guides continued to work on their mural. Next, they used view finders to select small sections for inclusion in the final display. They began to arrange these in some kind of order, reflecting back on the collections from Week 1 and considering how their artwork could be used to interpret their shortlisted objects.
3rd session: In Week 3, the Guides began to curate the elements within the display case, thinking about their themes, making edits and considering their audience.
4th Session: In the final session, the Guides wrote about their display and some of the objects on show. They finalised the placement of their objects and the accompanying interpretive artwork, and chose their exhibition title. Liz and the Guides reflected on the process. The Guides’ thoughts included:
“I think museums are good because they give you information about what’s happening now or what happened in the past.”
“Our display is to show the development and influence Hayle’s industry and nature has had on our local area.”
“Heritage in Hayle’s community is influential to local people and businesses.”
“Heritage can be a really interesting area of research when based around a town. You discover many things you haven’t seen before.”
“Museums ensure we don’t forget!”
“Industry has decreased but has not been forgotten.”
Watch video – Harriet reflects on the exhibition process.
Watch video – Charlie reflects on the exhibition process.
Huge thanks are due to the Guide Leaders who were brilliant and supportive throughout.
This project was made possible due to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
