News
David Chipperfield Architects to work with the Geffrye on major Museum of the Home development
Masterplan by David Chipperfield Architects, 2010
The Geffrye, the UK’s only museum of the home, today announced the appointment of David Chipperfield Architects to take forward their masterplan for an ambitious development scheme. Support from the Heritage Lottery Fund for this project was announced in May 2011.
Read the full press release.
27 June 2011
Heritage Lottery Fund gives green light to major development plans at the Geffrye, Museum of the Home
It was announced today that the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a Development Grant of £518,500 to help the Geffrye Museum progress its plans for an exciting development under its new title of Museum of the Home. The HLF first-round pass means that the Geffrye can now progress to the second stage of the HLF application process and have up to two years to submit more detailed plans and apply for the balance of their £10.9m bid. The total project cost is an estimated £13.2m and is due for completion in April 2015.
Guided by a Masterplan by David Chipperfield Architects, the trustees and staff are seeking to make the museum a centre for learning and discovery about not just the physical nature of home, but also the ideas, meanings and values which are expressed through home.The plan aims to ease congestion caused by growing numbers of visitors, open up public access to the collections, library and archive and increase the capacity for education, learning and dissemination.
Read the full press release.
10 May 2011
At Home in Japan
We were honoured that His Excellency, Mr Keiichi Hayashi, Ambassador of Japan, sent the following message to the Geffrye on the evening we opened At Home in Japan: beyond the minimal house.
"While nearly 200,000 people visit Japan from the UK each year, they seldom have the opportunity to see ordinary Japanese homes. I am sure this exhibition, in introducing the homes of ordinary Japanese people, will play a valuable role in boosting mutual understanding between our two countries and peoples. May I offer my sincere appreciation to the organisers and sponsors of this project, and to everyone else whose efforts have made it a reality."
22 March 2011
Mary Wollstonecraft at the Geffrye Museum
Photographic recreation of Mary Wollstonecraft at the Geffrye Museum by Red Saunders
On 31 January the Geffrye's front gardens became the setting for a new historical photo tableau created by photographer Red Saunders.
The Geffrye photograph, 'Mary Wollstonecraft and the Newington Green Dissenters 1792', forms part of Saunders' ongoing Hidden project, which highlights key moments in history. Several photographs from the project, including this one, are currently on display in the Museum of London foyer until 6 April.
18 March 2011
Geffrye Museum on Long List for the Guardian Kids in Museums Award 2011
The Geffrye has made the long list of 20 museums nominated for the Guardian Kids in Museum Award 2011. This is a national award and it is a big achievement to have been selected for the long list.
Our family programme at the museum is well rounded and includes everything from our Kids Zone on the website and our new audio tours and backpacks, to Nursery Rhyme Time sessions for the under 5s, 7 weeks of holiday activities, family days at weekends, workshops for teens and outreach sessions to family learning groups and of course the quiz desk, feely box and Sam the Dog trail.
We would like to thank our Education team for all their hard work in creating, delivering and supporting our extensive programme for children and families. Click here to read more about the award and see the full list of nominated museums.
24 February 2011
Government Spending Review - Update from the Director
There have been reports in the press this week about the Geffrye Museum losing its funding from DCMS as a result of the spending review. People are concerned, which is good, but the reports are misleading.
The fact is the DCMS are looking to find an alternative body to be responsible for funding a number of non-national museums, including the Geffrye. We are involved in discussions with them about this and we are assured that:
· The DCMS will not cut us off without an alternative funding body in place;
· The Geffrye will retain its constitution as an independent charity, governed by a Board of Trustees and administered by a public body at arm’s length;
· The change is driven by the government’s wish to reduce the number of museums it sponsors but there is no question of the DCMS cutting the museum adrift without financial support. Indeed they wish the see the Geffrye continue to thrive and build on its achievements to date.
So there is no cause for alarm. We will work with the DCMS to ensure a good and positive outcome for the Geffrye is reached. We expect a transfer to be agreed by March 2012. We have four years of funding guaranteed by DCMS, up to March 2015; thereafter it will be the new sponsor body’s responsibility to provide funding.
We are confident this change will not affect our plans for the Museum of the Home project, and we have now submitted our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a major grant to support this exciting development, based on the Masterplan prepared by David Chipperfield Architects. The project is planned for completion in 2015.
18 November 2010
News update on recent funding announcements
The DCMS intends to transfer responsibility for its non-national museums, of which the Geffrye is one. The DCMS is exploring options with us, although our local authority, the London Borough of Hackney, is not at present under consideration in this respect.
Whilst we have been well served by the DCMS and its predecessors, we recognise the reasons why alternative arrangements are now being sought. In principle we are not against change as long as this does not threaten the museum's future. We are very keen to retain our constitution as a trust and continue to be funded as an arm's length body, and we have the assurance of the DCMS that there is no intention to alter these. We look forward to a positive outcome.
17 November 2010
Award for Green Tourism
On 24 September, the Geffrye Museum was awarded a silver award by Green Tourism for London with potential for gold next time.
The award reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of the Geffrye's Green Team to make the Geffrye a more sustainable organisation.
You can view our Sustainability Policy Statement here.
29 September 2010
Sitting the Light Fantastic
Over 150 people attended the unveiling of Kei Ito's 'Sitting the Light Fantastic' at the Geffrye Museum on 21 September. As darkness fell, Japanese flautists led the guests outside to watch dancers perform within the installation. Dressed in illuminated fibre-optic outfits designed by the artist, the dancers interacted with the glowing furniture that frames the path of the newly restored gardens. The event celebrated the launch of the museumaker Autumn and Winter seasons.
Launch evening for Sitting the Light Fantastic by Kei Ito. Photography Matthew Andrews
27 September 2010
Online developments
We have just launched a new section on the website called Period Rooms and Gardens. Here you'll be able to see newly commissioned panoramic photography of our period rooms, gardens and almshouse rooms, which provide a highly detailed, immersive way to experience the museum. Our existing Virtual Tour and a new section Explore Rooms and Explore Gardens are also featured here. We hope you'll enjoy this new addition.
You can also join our Facebook page to receive notices about forthcoming events and follow us on Twitter.
A parlour in 1745 - panoramic photography Jonathan Greet
9 June 2010
At last ... a station for the Geffrye!
As many of you will be aware our London Mayor, Boris Johnson, opened a portion of the London Overground line in early May, well ahead of the official launch on 23 May. This 'soft' opening went well, with trains running quietly behind the museum in what seemed to be an orderly fashion!
A PR agency was appointed by the London Museum Hub's Marketing Group to handle the publicity for and raise awareness of the cultural offering, which includes 10 museums within a 15-minute walk of the line. Follow the link for further information about CultureLine.
Those who have ridden the line since it's official launch on 23 May and stood on the Hoxton Station platform have commented on how lovely the Geffrye looks from above - the period gardens in particular are eye-catching and colourful.
View of the Geffrye's gardens from Hoxton station platform
Many people are becoming aware of the Geffrye as a result. One first-time visitor dropped in because he had seen the museum from the train. In his words, 'the line has opened up a whole new world ...'
CultureLine have just set up a short survey - please take part if you have time:
Calling all Londoners!
The new London Overground East London route links up some of London’s most interesting museums both north and south of the river - a perfect excuse to reignite to age-old north/south London debate but with a cultural twist! Please take a moment to fill in this short survey – we’ll be announcing the findings in July so watch this space… Click here to go to the survey.
1 June 2010, added to 25 June 2010
London Volunteers in Museums Award 2010
Massive congratulations to members of our volunteers team for their recent successes at the Volunteers in Museums Award!
This is the second year running that members of the Geffrye Volunteers have had their hard work recognised. However this is the first year that one of our volunteers has won one of these categories. Oliver Mercer, Young Volunteer and Young Tour Guide, Youth Advisory Panel Member and Spokesman for the Panel at national events, won in the ‘Going the Extra Mile’ category. Olly, who is only 16, has continued to volunteer even during the lead up to his GCSEs and was competing against candidates much older than himself from across London.
Oliver Mercer, winner in the 'Going the Extra Mile' category
Sophie Miller, Young Tour Guide and Quiz Desk volunteer, was a runner up in the ‘Special Youth Award’ category. The entire Almshouse Volunteer Team was also a runner up in the ‘Best Team Contribution’ category.
The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Museum of London on 2 June 2010.
We congratulate them all and thank them for their continued support and enthusiasm here at the museum.
28 May 2010
The Geffrye - Shoreditch venue for museumaker London Design Festival event
Commission: Sitting the Light Fantastic by Kei Ito,
in situ from Tuesday 14 September 2010
The commission will form a centre-piece for the front gardens of the Museum, which are currently being refurbished. Kei Ito will design an installation of lighting on either side of the main path. This will be extraordinary and beautiful: an ethereal parade of chairs and lamps, reflecting the Museum’s themes and inspired by the global cultural influences which have shaped English furniture, ornaments and textiles.
Over ‘life size’, they will be made from woven fibre optics and, from dusk, their glow will create a sense of magic within the gardens. Highly visible, they will intrigue travellers from the road, a major route into London. Kei Ito will lead participatory projects with young people studying towards the new Creative and Media Diploma for 14-19 year olds.
Miniature by Kei Ito
KEI ITO’S practice includes costume design for dance and theatre, fashion design for individual clients, the accessories label ‘Always Sky Above’ and textile and costume exhibitions for galleries. Her work is distinguished by an interest in new possibilities of pattern cutting through explorations in geometry, and in different costume and textile traditions. Her costume design work includes productions staged at the London Coliseum, Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The museumaker commission represents a new departure in her work. Click here for the museumaker press release.
27 May 2010
My East End
My East End is an exciting new photography initiative which invites Londoners to document and celebrate the rich heritage of London’s East End: its people, cultures, domestic and built environments, and open spaces.
The centrepiece of the project is a high-profile, open photography competition which will be judged by a number of experts in their fields, including: Martin Parr, renowned Magnum photographer; Kate Edwards, Picture Editor at Guardian Weekend Magazine; Steven Berkoff, actor, writer and director; and Gilda O’Neill, much-loved East End author.
Related events will include workshops, exhibitions, history study days, school sessions, a talks programme and free places on photography courses.
My East End launches on 1 February 2010 and runs through to summer 2010. It is led by Bishopsgate Institute, Geffrye Museum, Four Corners and Birkbeck College and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information, please check the My East End website or download the press release here.
1 February 2010
Geffrye Museum on Long List for the Guardian Kids in Museums Award
The Geffrye has made the long list of 20 museums nominated for the Guardian Kids in Museum Award. This is a national award and it is a big achievement to have been selected for the long list.
Our family programme at the museum is well rounded and includes everything from our Kids Zone on the Geffrye website and our new audio tours and backpacks, to Nursery Rhyme Time sessions for the under 5s, 7 weeks of holiday activities, family days at weekends, workshops for teens and outreach sessions to family learning groups and of course the quiz desk, feely box and Sam the Dog trail.
We would like to thank our Education team for all their hard work in creating, delivering and supporting our extensive programme for children and families. Click here to read more about the award and see the full list of nominated museums.
One of our family days earlier this year
27 November 2009
The Geffrye awarded Investors in People
The museum was awarded Investors in People on 24 July 2009. The key points of the report are summarized below:
Vision and mission
"The Geffrye Museum has a clear mission and vision, aims and objectives, underpinned by a robust plan for the future. This has been effectively communicated throughout the museum.
Culture
The museum has a friendly, warm and caring atmosphere, referred to by many as a 'family'. There is a strong supportive culture and people at all levels appear passionate about the museum.
Caroline Vile collects the IIP award on behalf of the Geffrye
Empowerment
People and volunteers are empowered to do their job. They are encouraged to take on responsibilities, and they are trusted to deliver. They are allowed to own their work and to make decisions appropriate to their role. The result is motivated teams and increased performance.
Communication
The museum has very open communication channels and between all levels of staff. This has built trust and enhanced team working across the museum.
Training and development
The senior team are very committed to developing their people and help them progress their careers. They have strategies in place to ensure everyone within the museum has fair and equal opportunity to access training and development. There is an impressive range of development activities that are tailored to individual needs."
15 October 2009
Children's backpack launch!
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our new Under 5s Sam backpack during the half term week, Tuesday 27 – Friday 30 October.
The backpacks have been specially created to look like Sam, the Geffrye Museum mascot. The backpack focuses on the specially chosen theme of Chairs and aims to provide a range of activities for our youngest visitors to have fun with and engage with the museum collection.
Accompanied by parents/carers, children will be able to borrow a pack from a Quiz Desk Assistant and go into the 20th Century Gallery area to play with the activities. These include a ‘Sam the dog’ jigsaw, a large picture dice for children to roll, a 1990s room magnetic ‘chairs’ game and an interactive reading book. We really hope you have fun using the new backpacks!
New Geffrye backpack for under 5s - photo Jayne Lloyd
19 October 2009
Penny Egan appointed as Chair of the Geffrye Museum
Margaret Hodge, Minister for Culture, has announced today that Penny Egan has been appointed as Chair of the Geffrye Museum, replacing Richard Hunting who will step down after 10 years as Chair and 5 years as Vice Chair. The term will be for four years, from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2013.
Penny Egan has been the Executive Director of the US-UK Fulbright Commission since February 2007. Prior to this, she was the first woman to lead the RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) in its 250-year history; she was appointed to the post in 1998 and stepped down in 2006. Before this, Penny was RSA Programme Development Director (1994 – 1998) and RSA Lecture Secretary (1984 – 1994). Her early career includes the posts of Press and Publicity Officer at the Crafts Council (1978 – 1982); Press Officer at No 10 Downing Street (1975 – 1978), and Press Officer at the Victoria & Albert Museum (1972 – 1975). Penny was a member of the Design Council for nine years, stepping down in December 2008. She is a Trustee of Sing London and the think-tank DEMOS, and began her first term of office as a lay member of the Warwick University Council in 2007.
28 September 2009
David Chipperfield Architects to develop master plan for the Geffrye Museum
We have just announced the appointment of David Chipperfield Architects to begin work on a master plan leading to the preparation of outline designs for an extension to the museum. “This is an important step for the museum”, says the Geffrye’s director, David Dewing. “It is the beginning of an exciting and challenging journey. We are delighted to be able to appoint David Chipperfield and look forward to developing our ideas and ambitions for the museum with him”.
The new extension will enable the creation of a new library and additional learning and exhibition spaces whilst enhancing the Geffrye’s existing public areas. It will provide approximately 2,500 square meters on land owned by the museum, immediately adjacent to the existing buildings and fronting onto Cremer Street and Geffrye Street. The Geffrye aims to complete the project in 2015.
To read the full press release, please click here.
24 July 2009
Geffrye Volunteers commended at the London Volunteers in Museums Awards 2009
This photo shows Deirdre Cohen and Eduardo Yepez at the London Museum of the Year Awards Ceremony 2009 with Alison Lightbown, the Geffrye's Head of Learning and Education and Janice Welch, Assistant Education Officer and Volunteer Co-ordinator.
The Ceremony, held at HMS Belfast on 2 June 2009, celebrates the work of London Museum Volunteers and the Geffrye was delighted that from more than 70 nominations, Eduardo Yepez, Young Tour Guide and Quiz desk volunteer, was highly commended in the special Youth Volunteering Award and Deirdre Cohen, Almshouse volunteer, Quiz desk volunteer and Marketing volunteer, was a runner up for the 'long service' category. Julie Davies, our Almshouse volunteer and Friends Committee, was also a runner up in the 'Going the Extra Mile' category. We congratulate and thank all three for their continued enthusiasm and commitment to the Geffrye.
Deirdre Cohen, Eduardo Yepez, Alison Lightbown and Janice Welch at the Awards Ceremony
Online developments
Our major online programme, Search the Collections, is now live on our web-site.
You can Search the Collections for particular types of objects or by theme and you can also explore Life in the Living Room 1600-2000, which allows you to discover through pictures and objects the changing nature of living rooms over the past 400 years.
Our third online programme, Walk through a Victorian House, which was launched last summer, is an innovative exploration of Victorian domestic life.
You can also join the Geffrye Facebook group to receive notices about forthcoming events.
Patricia Brown appointed to the board of the Geffrye Museum
We are very pleased to announce that Barbara Follett, Minister of Culture, has appointed Patricia Brown to the board of the Geffrye Museum. The term will be for a four-year period, from 26 January 2009.
Biographical Notes
Patricia Brown has considerable experience of working in urban affairs, centred mainly on urban management, city promotion and governance, with most of her work over the past twenty years focused on London. Patricia’s experience has centred on her experience of cross-sector networks to create teams and partnerships to deliver positive change for the capital. Patricia is Director of Central, which provides strategic advice to companies and organisations operating in, or responsible for, the built environment. She is also a Director of Central London 2012, a small not for profit company concerned with securing legacy for central London from the 2012 Olympic Games. Prior to this Patricia was Chief Executive Central London Partnership. Patricia has also worked as Director of Information at London’s inward investment agency (now Think London), and PR Manager at London Research Centre. She is a Trustee at the Borough Market, and Board Director of the London International Festival of Theatre. Patricia received the International Downtown Association for Outstanding Leadership, for the Business Improvement District (BID) programme, 2005.
Choosing the Chintz Private View
Interior designer and popular TV personality, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, was at the Geffrye on 14 November 2008 to open the special exhibition, Choosing the Chintz. Addressing a crowd of over 200 guests, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen gave a lively and entertaining speech that highlighted many of the exhibits, including the Museum of Childhood's Mrs Bryant's dolls house pictured above.
Laurence Llewelyn Bowen opened the Choosing the Chintz exhibition - photograph by Spencer Griffiths
New Geffrye Museum Guide Book
This beautifully-illustrated new guidebook has just been published and provides the perfect introduction to the Geffrye's period rooms, its collections, and its herb and period gardens. It is available from the museum bookshop.
Catch the London Museum Hub Bus
The Geffrye's maiolica plate has been featured on the side of a London bus to help promote the cultural diversity of London's many independent museums. The London Museum Hub has wrapped the London bus to raise awareness of the capital's non-national museums.
The bus will travel across central London and the West End until March 2009, showcasing images of historic artefacts and reminding visitors of the richness of London's cultural heritage.
Reflect Forward - new work inspired by the Geffrye Museum
Artist Maxine Sutton recently exhibited new embroidered textiles inspired by the Geffrye Museum that make a fascinating study on domestic rituals, narratives and historic home-crafts.
The work was on display from 7 - 31 May 2008 at Craft Central, 33-35 St John's Square, London EC1 4DS.
London Mayors visit the Geffrye
A group of London Mayors visited the Geffrye on 22 April as part of a day's event hosted by the Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Faizullah Khan. The Director, David Dewing, welcomed the group and provided an introductory talk about the museum and its history. Following a walk through the museum and period gardens they were taken on a tour of the restored historic almshouse before enjoying lunch in the museum restaurant. The photograph shows the Mayors, Director, David Dewing, the Speaker of Hackney, and pupils from West Green Primary School.
Sandford Award 2007
The Geffrye Education team are delighted to have been awarded a Sandford Award from the Heritage Education Trust, who made the following assessment:
‘At the Geffrye Museum each recreated living space has its own theatricality, resembling a set on which the audience's imagination casts an eye on the past. The education team enables children to break down the 'fourth wall' of each set studied, by allowing children to deduce for themselves how the English middle-classes live and used to live.
'Embedded within the Geffrye Museum's education programme is the responsibility of staying true to an ethos that dates back to the 1930s. A highly skilled and dedicated education team perform the role of custodians of this ethos, whilst also being willing to adapt, to listen and to lead.
'The Geffrye Museum appears not to reach out to its community, it achieves more than that, being an integral, vital, quintessentially English institution within the rich and diverse community it dutifully serves.’
The Geffrye Education team collecting their award
Follow this link for more information on Learning at the Geffrye Museum.
The Art Newspaper & Axa Art Exhibition Catalogue Award 2007
The Geffrye Museum's catalogue, Home and Garden: Paintings and Drawings of English, Middle Class, Urban Domestic Spaces 1914-60, was short-listed along side twenty-four other exhibition catalogues, for The Art Newspaper & AXA Art Exhibition Catalogue Award 2007. Following the awards ceremony on 22 November at the Tate, we are delighted to announce that we were awarded joint runner-up. For more information about this important award please follow this link:
Axa Award 2007
Please click on this link to find out more about Axa Art.
Fine Art Printer of the Year Award 2007
Beacon Press with parent company Pureprint Group, (the print company behind our Home and Garden: Paintings and Drawings of English, Middle Class, Urban Domestic Spaces 1914-60), have won, for the second time, the Fine Art Printer of the Year Award at the 2007 PrintWeek Awards. The books which made up their winning entry were:
- Home and Garden for the Geffrye Museum Trust
- Picasso La Californie
- Nudes 1978-2006 John Swannell
- Sean Scully – a collection of the artist’s work
Beacon Press were also recognised with a Commendation for their entries in the Book category, which included the two-volume set Gilbert & George Complete Pictures and the Elizabeth Peyton book.
London's Green Corners 2007 Award
The London Green Corners 2007 Award was presented to the Geffrye Museum Gardens on 20 November for brightening London life and enriching the city's biodiversity.
Accreditation
The Geffrye Musem received Full Accreditation in May 2007. Awarded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, (MLA), Full Accreditation demonstrates that the museum meets the minimum standards in museum management, visitor facilities, user services and collections care. The Accreditation scheme, originally established as Museum Registration in 1988, has helped museums raise standards throughout the UK. As public expectations of museums grows, the scheme ensures that accredited museums reach or surpass these standards and remain accessible and accountable to present and future generations of visitors.
Official opening of the new period rooms - 23 November 2006
On Thursday 23 November, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, The Rt Hon Tessa Jowell, officially opened the At Home project in front of an invited crowd of 250 guests, including representatives from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the London museums sector. The refurbished period rooms and new interpretive galleries were well received by those attending.
The project has also attracted positive comments from both new and regular visitors
A selection of visitor comments on the new period rooms:
- Fantastic – wonderfully evocative, great displays, well backed with relevant info.
- Keep it up. Congratulations on all you’ve done in the caring of the heritage of your chosen subject area and sharing it with the public.
- Very informative and educational. A delight. Pleased to say a lot of material is here for perusal. Well done.
- Excellent – clear layouts and put into contexts of time and place. Audio very good.
- A most delightful visit. Loved the newly panelled oak parlour with its pale oak walls. One of the best museums in London.
- A tremendous educational resource. Very encouraged to see schools visiting so frequently and learning about culture through design.
For more information about the At Home project, please read Press Release - At Home in London, 1600 - 1800.
A View of Sir Robert Geffrye's almshouses, 1805
To commemorate the bicentenary of this 1805 watercolour of the buildings that now house the Geffrye Museum, the Friends of the Geffrye offer for sale a lithographic print from the original in a limited edition of 100. The print is made by kind permission of the Ironmongers' Company. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the museum to help fund its exhibition and education programme.
Edition: 100, numbered and stamped
Size: 41 x 69.5cm
Printed in 8 colours on 300gsm Somerset Velvet by Curwen Chilford Prints, Linton, nr Cambridge.
Price: £120.00 postage and packing
Special price to Friends of the Geffrye Museum: £100.00 postage and packing
If you have any queries about the print please ring: Brenda Herbert on 020 7254 4379.
