Eden Camp

Last week I visited the Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum in Malton, North Yorkshire. Eden Camp is a former World War 2 prisoner of war camp, developed into "one of the largest and most comprehensive museums covering British military and social history".

The museum is divided into 29 original huts (built in 1942) and promises to "transport you back to wartime Britain". The museum's main focus is The People's War 1939 - 1945, although there are also huts dedicated to World War 1 and other, more recent, conflicts.

Each hut is focused on a different aspect of the war. Beginning with The Rise of Hitler, the museum explores The Home Front and The U-Boat Menace, and even looks at fashion in the 40's in The Street at War. War time experiences are reconstructed using sounds, smells and even smoke!

I really enjoyed Hut 8 'Women at War' which looked at the vital roles played by women during World War 2, including the Land Army and the Wrens (Women's Royal Naval Services). In Britain, women were essential to the war effort, in both military and civilian roles.

Another particular interest for me is The Blitz, a terrifying period when Britain endured major aerial attacks with great courage. Take a walk through a blackout (with strategically placed white stripes) and "smell the acrid burning in a bombed street, experience a British town under siege."

I really recommend this museum, it's great for all age groups and very reasonably priced! 

 

Eden Camp is open daily 10am-5pm.

What museums have you been to recently?

Image credits:

1) Facebook.com/edencamp 
2) Instagram.com/stephaniepops
3) My own image.
4) Instagram.com/tmmackail
5) Facebook.com/edencamp

Until next week...

-Karen

Treat Yo Self Tuesday!

Welcome to Treat Yo Self Tuesday! The mornings are getting chillier, the nights are slowly drawing in, and the next bank holiday isn't until Christmas... It's time to Treat Yo Self!

Below is my pick of my current favourite etsy shops. Pick yo self something pretty! £££

Etsy favourites:

 

Earrings: Instyleglamour - Pineapple pillow cover: PupTartHandmade

Recently I've been on the lookout for interesting sterling silver studs. These tiny triangles from Instyleglamour would be perfect for everyday wear.

Who doesn't love a pineapple print?! Inject a splash of colour (and fun!) into your room with this hand printed cushion cover from PupTartHandmade.

Frida Kahlo print: LouTaylorStudio - Floral print pouch: ohsquirrelshop

Stunning Frida Kahlo giclee print from an original papercut by LouTaylorStudio. Follow @LouTaylor on Instagram to see her incredible papercut dolls and intricate outfits!

Ohsquirrelshop handmade pouch with polka dot lining, perfect for storing make-up or stationary. Check out the classy hen party sashes if one of your friends is getting married soon!

 

Stegosaurus cuff links: designosaurYEAH - Bear t-shirt: Dontfeedthebears

Dinosaur lover? Treat yo self to a pair of acrylic stegosaurus cuff links by Brighton based designosaurYEAH. Their jewellery range is all handmade, fun and vegan!

Dontfeedthebears unisex pirate bear t-shirt. That's right, pirate bear. Check them out for more bears in all manor of situations! Designed and screen printed in Sheffield.

 Moon necklace: RosaPietsch - Cacti planter: noemarin

Handcrafted resin and laser cut jewellery made in London by RosaPietsch. I love the full moon/crescent moon necklaces, available in various colourways.

Add some fun to your desk during the 9-5 grind with this Noemarin ceramic cacti planter! Handmade using traditional processes it is sure to make you smile, even on Monday.

What have you been treating yo self to recently? 
Share your links with me!

Until next week...

-Karen

Finding Inspiration: Music Documentaries

Often the first place I look for inspiration for artwork is music, and so this week I thought I'd blog about some of the music documentaries I've been watching recently...

Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways
Directed by Dave Grohl

An 8 part series devoted to chronicling the histories and cultures that define a city's musical identity. In each episode the band record one song in one city, as Dave Grohl interviews the musical 'local legends'.

I loved this series! Being able to identify the reasons behind the lyrics makes the songs on the album (of the same name) much more meaningful. I also enjoyed seeing inside the 8 different recording studios and hearing the stories behind them.
 
Cobain: Montage of Heck
Directed by Brett Morgan

An honest look at the life of Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain through home footage, never before seen drawings, and journal pages. 'Montage of Heck' features in-depth interviews with Kurt's family and closest friends, including Krist Novoselic (Nirvana bassist) and Courtney Love (Kurt's wife). Revealing and very intense.

The accompanying book (of the same name) includes transcripts of hundreds of hours of interviews, and features never before seen photographs. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it!

The Wrecking Crew
Directed by Denny Tedesco

 
My local independent cinema recently brought this documentary to my attention. 'The Wrecking Crew' were a talented group of studio musicians in LA in the 1960s who played on almost all of the hit records of the day, including songs by Nancy Sinatra, Beach Boys, and Mamas and Papas.

Unknown to the general public, the accomplished musicians were often brought in to replace entire groups on recordings. If you are at all interested in the history of rock music, I recommend this documentary!

Amy
Directed by Asif Kapadia

As with 'Cobain: Montage of Heck', 'Amy' isn't always an easy film to watch. Directed by Asif Kapadia, 'Amy' depicts the life of Amy Winehouse: her  blossoming career, her relationships, and her struggle with drink and drugs.

Kapadia's controversial choice to use paparazzi footage at times  creates the unpleasant feeling that you are hounding Amy, as the paparazzi so relentlessly did. But there are happier moments: a tattoo free Amy excited to begin her musical career. Be prepared to cry.

What documentaries have you watched recently? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Until next week...

-Karen

The Hepworth Wakefield

A week or so ago I visited the contemporary Hepworth gallery in Wakefield for the first time. Named for Wakefield born sculpture Barbara Hepworth, "The Hepworth Wakefield is the largest purpose-built exhibition space outside of London." 

 

 The Hepworth Wakefield

On permanent display at the gallery are 44 full size working models "made in preparation for the works in bronze Hepworth executed from the mid-1950s to the end of her career". I really liked the fluid shapes and smooth surfaces. There was rarely a sharp edge in sight.

The sculptures benefit from the spacious, light filled gallery space. 

Winged Figure

Unveiled to the public in 1963, the full-size 'Winged Figure' has stood in front of John Lewis's flagship store on Oxford Street in London for over 50 years. (The smaller version is on permanent display at The Hepworth.) 

Commissioned to evoke common interest and ownership, "it is estimated that the sculpture is seen by 200 million people a year."

I particularly enjoyed the exhibition 'British Sculptures as Print Makers' that explores the link between print and sculpture. Sculptures often use printmaking to "work on ideas which would eventually translate into sculpture".

It was noted in the exhibition that Hepworth also worked the other way, transferring sculptures into prints. Walking between the two mediums, clear links could be made.

Morning Shadows, 2012

Not restricted to the work of Barbara Hepworth, the gallery also celebrates other contemporary sculptures. 'Caro in Yorkshire' traces Sir Anthony Caro's "interest in architectural principles from early abstract works throughout his remarkable career".

Instinctively you want to interact with Caro's large, floor-filling pieces. Luckily, if you are under 10 years of age there is a circular staircase you can climb!

'Caro in Yorkshire' is on display until 1st November 2015.

Have you visited The Hepworth Wakefield?

Image credits:

All photos are my own, apart from:

Winged Figure: http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/news/john-lewis-oxford-street-and-the-hepworth-wakefield-celebrate-50-years-of-winged-figure/ 

Morning Shadows: http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/whatson/anthony-caro/

Quotes are taken from The Hepworth Wakefield website.

Until next week...

-Karen