Page 9 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 58
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ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
assist with the museum deciding what stories it contents of both the main object store and main
wanted to tell, how these stories would be told, archive store were packed into boxes and loaded
what objects or archives would be displayed and onto these pallets. The offsite stores were emptied
how best to display them. into three ISO Containers and the vehicles loaded
This process started with workshops and white- onto low loaders.
boards and eventually led to computer generated The use of pallets and ISO Containers gave the
images of new galleries and display cases, text pan- museum team a large measure of control during the
els and images. The story of The RLC was divided move. The pallets were moved to the new museum
into 12 epochs or time periods, starting in pre 1794 central gallery and ISO containers dropped off at
and ending with The RLC today. Each of these the rear of the new museum. We had allowed our-
epochs were then examined and discussed in detail, selves eight weeks to “put away” moving the objects
to determine what information or activity the and archive into our new stores, before we had to
museum felt needed to be told. This sounds much clear the central gallery for the construction of the
easier than it was in reality. Each forming Corps new display cases.
needed equitable treatment and there so much that Running a museum design project and a
needed to be said, that tough choices were required. museum pack and move project simultaneously
The story also had to be “accessible”, this means was challenging indeed and led to many long days
that a child of eight to a seasoned veteran of 80 and much weekend working. However, thanks to
must both be able to follow what was is being said. the support of the HQ RLC, PLB, the museum
Achieving a balance between writing a text panel trustees and staff, everything was achieved on time
for a visitor with no military knowledge, which will and to plan.
also be read by a historian with much knowledge The new museum was opened by HRH The
is not easy. Do we assume that every visitor knows Princess Royal on 13th May 2021 and has received
that “Lt Col” means Lieutenant Colonel or that rave reviews in the press and from its first visitors.
LCpl means Lance Corporal, or even that one of However, not resting on our laurels, much is
these ranks is higher than the other? planned for the future, including WW1 external
Each and every object or piece of archive on displays, new and exciting temporary exhibitions
display had to have a template written about it. This and links with local schools, universities and youth
template described its size, weight and conservation Overlooking the groups. Our story continues…
requirements. The display cases were then designed large central gallery, Major (Retd) Simon Walmsley MBA MA
photographed from the
to fit and hold these objects, with specialist mount
mezzanine Director The RLC Museum
makers designing mounts, mannequins or stands to
ensure that everything was displayed to its best.
Images, films and audio visual content needed
to be produced. Whilst some images came from
within the museum archive, a great deal had to
be sourced from other museums or commercial
companies. Copyright and approval to display the
images was required and needed to be paid for. The
museum commissioned new film to be made and
blended this with historic film in order to support
the four looped film areas within the new museum.
Whilst this design activity was in full progress,
the old museum had to be closed and the old
display cases emptied and disposed off. The centre
of the old museum was turned into a warehouse,
with numbered pallets laid across the floor. The
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