Gallery Stroll

GALLERY ? BRITISH MUSEUM, London ******************* Europe: The 19th Century Gallery (Room 47) This continues the chronological sequence from the late eighteenth century to about 1900. Medals and Royal seal-dies provide a thread of historical narrative, from the Napoleonic period, the Revolutions of 1848 and the emergence of Britain as an Imperial power, to the Unification of Italy and Germany. European ceramics, glass, metalwork and jewellery demonstrate changing taste and the impact of technological advances. A notable feature of nineteenth-century design was the re-use of motifs from earlier periods. Major influences were provided by the archaeological discoveries of the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the collections of the British Museum itself. The displays explore Neo-classicism, Romanticism and the Gothic Revival, concluding with the design reform movements of the late nineteenth century. Highlights include the Museum's superb collections of Wedgwood ceramics and the work of the outstanding Victorian designer, Christopher Dresser. Also of particular note are the Portland Font, a Neo-classical masterpiece in gold by Paul Storr, the Sèvres porcelain ice-pails given by Napoleon to the Emperor of Austria; William Burges's own drinking cup; the Pompeiian-style necklace by Eugène Fontenay for Boucheron, and the world's most comprehensive group of botanical jewellery. THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY, Manchester ********************************* Access to Historic Locomotives at the Touch ofa Button The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester is currently introducing an exciting experimental state-of-the-art computer system which will add a new dimension to the Museum's popular Library and Record Centre. It has been designed to increase access to one of the Museum's most important collections — the Beyer, Peacock archive. The Centre contains a unique collection of business archives, charting the history of the industries that have made Manchester. Beyer, Peacock, established in Manchester in 1854, was one of the world's most famous locomotive building companies, and its business records form one of the most significant and substantial collections housed in the Centre. 200Victorian Review The Beyer, Peacock archive contains company records, historic photographic prints and scale drawings of each type of locomotive built and is a vital record of one of Manchester's most famous industries. The archive provides a unique insight into Beyer, Peacock's history and is regularly used by students, photographic historians, engineers, railway enthusiasts and academics. The Library and Record Centre also receives requests for information about the company from all over the world. Local computer software company, Softology Ltd., based in Cheadle, Chesire, have developed a new computer software package to help visitors find and retrieve information about Beyer, Peacock. The system used CD-ROM, Microsoft Access Software and an Accusoft image format library to combine images and detailed information. Visitors can search quickly and accurately through thousands of records, find the image or information that they want and simply print it out to take away with diem. Museum Director, Dr. Patrick Greene, added: "Beyer, Peacock pioneered die use of photography by industry, so it is especially appropriate that we are using die latest computer-based technology to present these wonderful photographs to the public, it will also help us develop new techniques for our Communications Gallery, in which we will celebrate in 1998 the 50th anniversary of the birth of die electronic computer here in Manchester." NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, London *************************** Christina Rossetti 1830-1894 • 18 November 1994 - 12 February 1995 · For a long time overshadowed by die reputation of her famous brother, Dante Gabriel, Christina Rossetti is now regarded in her own right as one of the outstanding poets of die Victorian period. Best-known for poems such as Goblin Market and In the Bleak Midwinter, Christina's verse is often strikingly personal and intimate for its time. Its outward simplicity conceals a complex and enigmatic personality, far removed from die image of prim spinsterhood tiiat has come down to us. The daughter of an Italian émigré, Christina Rossetti grew up in London as pan of a remarkable, and prodigiously talented, family. The exhibition will trace her upbringing and her relations, uirough her brotiiers Dante Gabriel and William Michael Rossetti, with die Pre-Raphaelite Brouierhood. Outer sections will establish Christina's...