Museum brings Dartmoor to life

The Museum of Dartmoor Life, based in Okehampton, has recently been working in collaboration with Entertainingly Different and Autaura Productions to create five short films to educate, entertain, inspire and excite children who currently cannot visit.

The films were shot and edited by Matt Biggs and feature Rob Pudner, who also story-boarded and scripted the pieces. They are joined by well known Devon folk singer/songwriter, Jim Causley. Rob plays a time travelling curator who jumps between the museum and relevant locations within the Dartmoor National Park, with just a click of his fingers. Jim plays button accordion while singing traditional folk songs to embellish the stories and he also performs one of his own compositions.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions the museum was unable to open for most of last year. The trustees, manager and volunteers felt they needed to find new ways to educate digitally, particularly as school visits had ceased.

Jan Goffey, trustee and Okehampton town councillor, said: ‘I suggested we engage local performer Rob Pudner who has a wealth of experience and expertise in working with children of all ages facilitating expressive arts workshops across the county and beyond.’

Museum manager Kristy Turner, who worked alongside Rob developing film ideas and identifying museum artefacts to be featured, said: ‘We want children to see how fun, exciting and important learning about our past can be. By bringing together historic objects, stunning locations, a fun character and great traditional music the team has created something really special that can be enjoyed by everyone.’

Each of the five films focuses on a different area of Dartmoor’s rich history. They look at life during prehistoric, medieval and also Victorian times as well as the importance of mining and farming to the area. Rob interacts with the viewers asking questions and playing guessing games.

Rob said: ’I have always been fascinated with museums and absolutely love everything about Dartmoor, so it has been a great pleasure and privilege to be part of this exciting project. I feel it is so important that young people understand their past as this in turn allows them to embrace their present and forge their future.’

The films have been sent out to schools all over Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset to give teachers the opportunity to use them in the classroom as an alternative to a museum visit. By the end of the month they will also be released on The Museum of Dartmoor Life Facebook page, @dartmoorlife Instagram page and on YouTube and the Museum website.

The museum re-opened its doors on Monday, May 24th at 10am when the new Mayor of Okehampton, Bob Tolley, cut the ribbon and welcomed everyone back.

Kristy added: ‘We are very excited to be hosting one of the fabulous Moor Otters - Frida La Vida, designed by Luna Redhead. Frida can be found in our reception area and our lovely volunteers can give you lots of interesting information about her.

‘In the John Young Gallery we have “From Moor to Coast”, an exhibition of mixed media work from Sue Hill, Clare Barton and Luna Redhead, which is on display until the end of July.

‘Then “Perspectives of Rural Life”, an exhibition from the children of Okehampton Primary School art club. The quality of their work is outstanding. This will run until the beginning of September.’

Any artists looking for a place to exhibit should get in touch with Kristy at the museum.

Kristy also paid tribute to everyone who had submitted artwork, photographs, films, diaries, poetry and prose to the Covid memories collection.

‘It is really important that we keep an archive of these times for future generations to learn from,’ said Kristy. ‘If anyone has anything they would like to share please get in touch.

‘The museum would particularly like to hear from people who carried on with their jobs during these difficult times. Let us know how Covid affected you day to day. We would love memories from the emergency services, doctors, nurses, dentists, vets, teachers, undertakers, supermarket staff, anyone.’

During lockdown, archivist Paul Hambling continued to digitally help out people with their research queries - there have been enquiries from Australia, New Zealand and closer to home and he is very happy to help.