1. Introduce yourself and tell us how you came about to be involved in the museum industry?
My name is Pip Dodd and I am a curator in the Department of Fine and Decorative Art, and one of the curatorial team working on the War Horse exhibition. I’ve always loved museums and art galleries, and after studying History of Art at university it seemed like a natural career for me.
Explosion - Francois Place illustration from Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse
I am currently working on the museum’s War Horse exhibition. As well as exploring historic artefacts from our own collection, this has provided a fantastic opportunity to work closely with Michael Morpurgo – the author of the very successful War Horse novel. War Horse works so brilliantly because it is shows everything that horses had to do in the First World War, and it provided us with the structure on which to build the bigger story of Army horses in a broader historical period.
We have also been working with the National Theatre and with Laura Antebi, a Scottish artist who was commissioned to produce a wire sculpture of a horse to illustrate a specific moment from the War Horse story. Working with a contemporary artist has been fascinating, and although we gave Laura a specific brief for what we wanted from her, we also tried to allow her to create the horse as she saw it, which I think has resulted in a much more powerful and emotive sculpture than if we had been too prescriptive.
2. Tell us about your museum and why it is a great day out?
Visitors of all ages can enjoy an exciting range of exhibitions, galleries and public events at the National Army Museum. We boast the most extensive collection of historical and military artefacts relating to the British Army from its creation to current-day, plus the Indian Army from 1754 to 1947.
The Museum gives voice to the diverse stories and histories of the British Army and its impact on communities at home and across the globe. Our Templer Study Centre offers researchers the opportunity to explore and study from our archives and Picture Library.
Open every day (excluding 24-26th December and 1st January), the Museum offers a fascinating and fun day of discovery for all the family. Museum entry is free. For more information about the Museum, the Collection and what’s on, please visit www.nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717
3. What sort of visitors does your museum most appeal to?
The Museum has huge appeal for visitors of all ages and abilities. There is the brand new soft play area called Kids’ Zone, where children from 0-8 years can run, climb and learn in a colourful and safe environment.
We have four permanent galleries, which explore the history and the impact of the British Army at home and abroad from the English Civil War to modern-day conflicts, plus our corridor displays and White Space Gallery. For those interested in research and self-development we offer free weekly lectures and our Templer Study Centre.
The Museum Shop provides a wide range of family learning activities and games, toys, clothes and souvenirs as well as boasting a comprehensive range of books on a broad array of military topics. Our newly refurbished Café offers visitors a relaxing environment to enjoy tasty cakes, drinks and delicious meals.
4. What makes your museum different, sets it apart from others?
We are the only Museum to tell the full history of the British Army.
5. What do you have planned for the future? Any new exciting exhibits / experiences for guests?
We have just opened our brand new Kids’ Zone, Draw Your Weapons: The Art of Commando Comics exhibition, plus we have the upcoming War Horse: Fact & Fiction exhibition. 2012 will see a packed calendar of events, exhibitions and activities.
6. For a family of four how much would a day at your museum cost, including entry and food purchased on site?
Entry to the Museum is free. The Café provides a variety of hot and cold food and drinks, plus pick-your-own lunch boxes and mini meals for kids with sandwiches starting at £1.
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