Art enthusiasts and American history fans alike will be excited to hear about the spring re-opening of the American Museum on the 10th March 2012.
The museum has unveiled two fantastic new exhibitions this season; Compassionate Eye (10th March- 1st July) and Painted Rooms (10th March-28th October.)
The Compassionate Eye; Birds and Beasts from the American Museum’s print collection, is a thoughtful and sympathetic dedication to animal rights through print, painting and sculpture. Art and animal lovers will greatly appreciate the gentle beauty in black and white and the occasional sepia tinted, exquisitely detailed prints. They promote our love of some of nature’s most beautiful creatures.
The Painted Rooms focuses on an historical portrayal of American interiors by renowned artist, Michael John Hunt. This exhibition features a large room of grand, colourful paintings based on an eighteenth century estate. The paintings emphasise the grandeur- style of American period houses and awakens the senses through the artist’s intuition and perspective and his theatrical use of natural light.
One particularly striking painting to watch for, The Homestead, depicts a young woman looking out onto a traditional colonial homestead. By her side there is a large bag which appears to hold all her worldly possessions.
Is she arriving, or leaving? Is she incredibly moved, or desperately sad?
One could spend hours in front of this painting trying to decipher the meaning behind the brush strokes!
When visiting the permanent exhibitions, begin with the funky Folk Art gallery on the ground floor for a taste of artistic expression by ordinary folk.
As visitors venture further into the Manor, they will experience the astounding replicated period rooms of the 17th and 19th centuries. They are decorated in splendid, precise detail.
A word of advice here, don’t forget to pick up an audio tour guide to keep you informed on the way. Be sure to visit the grand ‘Southern Belle’ style New Orleans bedroom; A Streetcar named Desire immediately springs to mind.
There is also plenty for little ones to do throughout the museum.
The Painted Rooms offer ‘The Trail,’ a spot- the -painting activity. The incredibly interactive American Heritage exhibition tells the stories of Native Americans, the Founding Fathers and the Civil War. The touch screen activities, costumes for role play and colonial objects to handle are a perfect way for children to learn and play at the same time.
The grounds are a fantastic space for children to roam and play and the surrounding trees and foliage make for a great game of hide and seek.
A sunny spring Sunday is the perfect day to visit the Museum. Situated within the rolling green hills of Claverton Down, the view of the surrounding fields is breathtaking. The grounds make a wonderful spot to sit and relax with a picnic or a tasty cream tea from the handy (yet typically pricey) museum café.
At around £3.50 for a sandwich or a small slice of pizza and £2.00 for a traditionally American chocolate milkshake, it may be more beneficial for students or families on a budget to prepare their own refreshments.
Sunday musical events featuring Bluegrass and Folk bands are included in the admission price and begin 18th March 2012.
The grounds of Claverton Manor host an annual 4th July event, including Appalachia-style music, a BBQ and free admission to all! It’s hard to think of a more enjoyable way for family and friends to spend a warm summer’s evening.
The museum is an educational and inspirational homage to American culture and history. The grounds are beautiful, the exhibitions are informative and well designed, and the volunteer staff are extremely friendly, courteous and helpful; an ideal way to enjoy a spring or summers day. These sentiments were reflected most enthusiastically by some very satisfied visitors:
‘It’s good fun!’ – Sebastian, age five, Peasedown St. John.
‘We’ve been members of the American Museum for three years! The ‘Painted Rooms’ are marvellous. Each year the exhibitions are upgraded and they are extremely hands-on. The museum is good for children, educational and especially lovely during the summer. ‘ – John and Alison, Bath.
Our thanks to Laura Loften for this Why You Should Visit article.
