On Saturday 19 December St Michael’s Church re-opened for the first time, since closing in March, and shared with the community its new floor. During closure the museum worked with the church to celebrate the heritage of the Church and to undertake a range of arts based projects.
The Exhibition:
The exhibition gave an insight into the Church’s fascinating past and explored the human narratives it has witnessed, from wartime weddings to the burials of some of Helston’s most prominent figures. This display was curated by the museums our intern Rachel Haddy and you can join her on a exhibition tour.
Dancing Angel Lantern:
As part of the project, Tony Crosby (Artistic Director of City of Lights, Truro) was in residence with us and he created two Dancing Angel lanterns inspired by the stained glass windows in the Church. You can see Tony’s remarkable progress in these three films; one looking at Tony’s plans, the second explaining how to make a life-like structure and a final video reflecting on Tony’s creation before it moves to St Michael’s Church. Update 1, Update 2, Update 3.
Watch the angel’s magical journey from the Museum of Cornish Life to St Michael’s Church in this video by Neal Megaw Photography & Video.
Tree Trail:
The community were encouraged to explore the trees in the Churchyard through a trail. Autume may have passed but you can download your own Tree trail and answer sheet here.
Fun Palaces & Sketchbooks:
The Church held its first Fun Palace giving out sketchbook making packs. A video was created to show how to take part by one of our young volunteers and the community returned their sketches that were then displayed in our exhibition.
Flower Arch:
A collaborative flower arch was made at the musuem and then displayed at the Church for the opening event. Throughout the summer people could call into the museum and pick up a flower making packs and then create their own flowers inspired by our workshop.