August 05, 2016
The ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’, or Wunderkammer, was a personal collection of unusual items from around the world. Many of these collections existed in private homes throughout Britain and Europe throughout the 19th Century. As they were the forerunner to the modern ‘museum’ they are of great interest to historians and curators. The Beaney houses its […]
February 07, 2019
Canterbury Museums and Galleries are all about wellness. We know that university isn’t easy for every student, and at the start of a new academic year we’re reaching out on an ongoing volunteering project which is designed especially for students who are affected by anxiety. It is being funded by the Museums Association Esmée Fairbairn […]
July 20, 2016
The latest blog from Adam De Ville, Resident Armchair Artist at The Beaney in Canterbury. Since my last experiment, birdsong at the miniatures, I thought I’d do another one! Reflections of an Unidentified Man explores Henry Weekes’ sculpture as a talisman of the imagination. I thought I’d place a rather fancy mirror in front of the artefact, […]
February 08, 2017
The second of a series of blogs from our new Artist in Residence – Kathleen Herbert. Having spent the first few weeks as Artist In Residence just sitting and looking in the different rooms, I decided to use the museums facility, which enables members of the public to handle objects within the collection. In the […]
June 16, 2020
Now more than ever, people across the world are coming together and striving to learn more about racism and diversity. Understanding diversity is more important than ever and reading is a good starting point for learning, discussion and change. Here’s are a few recommendations from our library, Kent Libraries, of titles to support a wider […]
February 09, 2016
Today is Pancake Day. It is a day in which four basic ingredients – eggs, flour, salt and milk – find expression in a glorious combination that accompanies celebrations all over the world. But Shrove Tuesday, also known as ‘Fat Tuesday’ in continental Europe, is more than simply gorging on carbs. It is, in fact, a […]
July 13, 2015
Daren Kearl is the Community Development Librarian for Canterbury and Swale District and is based at the Beaney. His role includes working with partners and the local community. Last Friday (10th July) I visited a group of adults at Canterbury Adult Education Centre to congratulate them on completing the Six Book Challenge. The Challenge is […]
May 21, 2020
Over the last year, I have had numerous requests from my team for me to write my ‘Talking Heritage’ blog, and unfortunately I have told them that I was too busy each time. Now, following a week that is sure to go down in history, I have stopped and taken the time to reflect. My […]
May 10, 2016
Sonia Overall is currently the Resident Armchair Artist at The Beaney in Canterbury. It’s nearly the end of my armchair residency at The Beaney. I’ve spent the past four months dipping in and out, sometimes on official duty with orange-ribboned lanyard, more often under the radar, snatching moments between other commitments. I’ve pressed my face against glass, knelt […]
April 04, 2016
Sonia Overall is currently the Resident Armchair Artist at The Beaney in Canterbury. One of the chief attractions of the armchair artist opportunity for me was meeting previous residents Jill Holder and Bob Lamoon. Their oversized homage to the rook in the red coat, exhibited in the Front Room, continues to haunt me. The original rook […]
