Peterborough Museum is opening a new
exhibition this weekend, where visitors can find out about some of
the famous, not-so-famous and talented people who have helped shape
the history of Peterborough.
The exhibition, called 'Peterborough’s
People', opens on Saturday 6 February 2010 and runs until Sunday 25
April 2010.
It features people from all walks of life who
have contributed to local history over the past 1,000 years -
including soldiers, engineers, sports stars, entertainers,
royalty, scientists and shopkeepers.
Personalities featured include characters such
as Hereward the Wake, who looted, raped and pillaged his way
through Peterborough before razing it to the ground in 1070, to
Thomas Barrett, who opened one of the first department stores in
the city.
Much of the research has been produced as part
of a project developed between the museum and members of
Peterborough U3A. This has also resulted in the recently published
book: 'People of Peterborough', and work is ongoing to produce a
follow-up volume.
In addition, visitors can watch the museum's
artist in residence, Christopher Wiles, beginning his innovative
art project which will ultimately reveal a composite Face of
Peterborough.
Chris has been taking portrait photographs of thousands of city
people and will merge the data from each photo to produce a single
image that represents the city. He will then reproduce it in pen
and ink as a piece of artwork that will remain in the museum.
Visitors can see the faces that have been used for the project as
well as watch Christopher working on his Face of Peterborough
creation.
Sara Brown, Peterborough City Council's museum
exhibitions officer, said: "Peterborough's People provides a great
insight on some of the many people who have contributed to
Peterborough's story over the centuries. Due to space
considerations we have had to be very selective about who to
feature within the displays. However, we have provided an area over
for visitors to tell us who we have missed out and who they think
are important 'Peterborough People', past and present."
The museum is open from 10am to 5pm on
Tuesday to Saturday and 12noon to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holiday
Mondays. Admission is free. For more details, call the museum on
(01733) 864663, e-mail museum@peterborough.gov.uk, or check the
website at www.peterboroughheritage.org.uk.
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