Exhibitions
Exhibitions Programme 2012
Temporary Exhibition Programme
As well as permanent displays about the local area, coal mining, social history and toys & games from the past, the museum also hosts an exciting and ever-changing temporary exhibition programme throughout the year
The programme of exhibitions provides the opportunity to view the work of both local and well-known international artists. Below are just some of the exhibitions we have on show this year.
Conference Room Exhibitions
Please note that this room is available to hire, and therefore exhibitions may not always be on show. We strongly advise that you telephone before visiting to check if the room is open should you particularly wish to see one of the following exhibitions.
A Day in the Life of the Museum
Our exhibition of photographs taken by local photographer Leanne Hulley, transfers to our Conference Room, offering another opportunity to see behind the scenes at the museum and find out what goes into creating the facility enjoyed by our visitors today.
Please note that the museum reserves the right to change exhibition showings at any time. Please telephone before visiting to check.
2012 Exhibitions
5 May - 17 June 2012
Changing Landscapes - Images of Coal
Over the last twenty years the landscape of the colliery surface workings has provided artist Janet Buckle with a fertile source of information and ideas. An interest in shape, pattern and colour has always informed her work. These include the odd shapes and unusual patterns created by the various mining processes and the rich and varied hues exposed by the brightly coloured machinery.
Through her work, Janet aims to convey the grandeur and dramatic aspects that are presented by these scarred and constantly changing landscapes.
Janet studied at the Slade School of Art from 1965 to 1969 and her work is in private collections, Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery and the National Coal Mining Museum for England.
23 June - 12 August 2012
Morning Campers! The British Holiday Camp 
A nostalgic exhibition celebrating the unique British institution of the Holiday Camp.
Did you know that the first Holiday Camp appeared in 1894 on the Isle of Man? However, it was in the 1930s with the arrival of Billy Butlin, that the concept of the holiday camp was launched in a gigantic way.
These camps became familiar to generations and dominated the British holiday scene in the 1950s and 1960s.
Find out what was in store for intrepid holiday goers of the past in this light-hearted exhibition exploring the phenomenon that was - and still is - the British holiday camp.
18 August - 12 October 2012
Staffordshire and Beyond
The museum is delighted to welcome a new exhibition by Eleanor and John Cathcart. The artists are members of Stafford Art Group and have exhibited widely throughout Staffordshire.
Having grown up on the west coast of Scotland, Eleanor is inspired by the changing moods of nature. Preferring to paint in-situ, she captures the effect of atmosphere and light on the landscape.
Travelling extensively in Europe and New Zealand, she has created a varied and interesting collection of paintings in watercolours, oils and pencil. John started painting as a hobby 20 years ago. He enjoys painting the natural landscapes and seascapes within the UK, Europe and New Zealand in oils, watercolours and acrylics.
22 October - 19 December 2012
Cannock Chase Open Art 2012 - 'Going for Gold'
Calling all artists living in the Cannock Chase district! Here is your opportunity to submit your art work for display in the museum exhibition gallery. To celebrate Olympic year, this year's title is 'Going for Gold'. There will be no theme as such, but Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be made for the best works in the exhibition. Whether it is painting, drawing, needlework, crafts, ceramics or sculpture, why not contact the museum to find out how to enter your work? Works that link to the Olympic themes & ideals will be particularly well-received by the judges. All work chosen for display can be offered for sale.
A partnership project with Community Wellbeing - Arts.
'Carry on Punch & Judy' Travelling Exhibition - Available for Hire!
'Carry On Punch & Judy' is an interactive travelling exhibition available to hire by museums, heritage centres and exhibition venues. It celebrates the history and tradition of Punch & Judy through interactive exhibits, interpretation panels, artefacts and audio visual displays. It is suitable for all ages and venues can also book Punch & Judy shows to accompany the exhibition.
Content
- An original Punch & Judy puppet booth
- An interactive puppet booth for visitors to create their own shows.
- An interactive Punch & Judy booth for young children.
- High quality interpretation panels giving a variety of information about the history and tradition of Punch & Judy including text, images, etc
- Artefacts relating to Punch & Judy - puppets, merchandise, Punch & Judy 'spin-off' items, Punch & Judy art, and other items.
- A distorted fairground mirror (safety glass)
- DVD of Punch & Judy shows
- Interactive 'Slapstick' and 'Put your face through the hole' activities.
Space required
This exhibition is modular and therefore can be adapted to fit exhibition spaces of all shapes and sizes. You can hire as little or as much as you want. For the interpretation panels, some wall space, or strong display panels will be required. Venues will need to provide TV/DVD player.
Hire period
A minimum of 2 months. Fee £100 per month (to cover costs and repairs). Venues must provide insurance during transportation and whilst the exhibition is at their venue.
Transport
Venues will be required to collect and return the exhibition, which should fit in a large van. Some heavy items so allow 2-3 people to move items.
Installation
Full illustrated instructions will be provided. It fits together very easily, and can be mounted in 1-2 days by 2-3 people.
Interested? To find out more, please contact the museum.
Please note that the exhibition is currently undergoing repair. We hope to make it available for hire soon. Contact us for details.
