Tabley House Collection is just the tonic for patients
08 Jul 2013
The Tabley House Collection, Knutsford, participated last week in an initiative to show how cultural experiences can contribute to health and well-being in Manchester Hospitals.
As part of +Culture Shots 2013, the Collection was showcased to patients, staff and visitors at Manchester Royal Infirmary, who were able to handle objects from the Collection including:
- A 1930’s first aid kit
- An early Mickey Mouse toy clock
- Servant livery buttons
- Copper printing plates
- A lion head picture hook, unique to Tabley
Anna Bates, Assistant Curator at The Tabley House Collection, said “The positive benefits to the psychological and physiological well – being of people by participating in cultural activities is well known, whether it’s musical events, creating your own work of art or just enjoying looking at beautiful objects. This was a great opportunity to work with partners in the health services and Manchester museums and galleries for the benefit of patients. It also allowed us to reach out to new audiences and to bring some of the smaller items out of the archives that we don’t normally have on display.”
The response to the handling collection was very positive, one visitor commenting “When you are in hospital you need something interesting to look at, something different to cheer you up.”
Victoria Ellis of Lime Arts and Culture Shots Visitor Assistance Service said “It’s been great to have The Tabley House Collection on board, the handling collection and prize draw went down a treat, enjoyed by staff, patients and visitors.”
Clare Pye, Chair of The Tabley House Collection Trust said “We were delighted to be approached by the organisers of the event and we’ve really enjoyed hearing the memories and personal stories that the objects have inspired. We look forward to being part of similar initiatives in the future.”