A History of the World event at Ipswich Museum

A History of the World at Ipswich Museum

Curators from Ipswich Museum were on hand to help identify objects as part of Suffolk's A History of the World day on Tuesday 16 February 2010.

The BBC Suffolk team also helped visitors to Ipswich Museum photograph and upload items to the AHOW website.

Lesley Dolphin's sofa was carried down the road and placed in the natural history gallery, where she broadcast live.

There was also children's activities themed around dragons and big cats.

The week's AHOW object is a set of Chinese opium scales from Halesworth Museum and we'll be exploring the links between China and Suffolk throughout the week.

Curate expectations

Ipswich Museum's curators saw a number of interesting objects, from ancient axe handles, a doll's leg and plenty of horse paraphernalia.

Lesley Dolphin broadcasted live from Ipswich Museum

Beryl Knight, however, had one of the most memorable belongings.

"My father and his boss worked together and between them they invented this particular stuff, which they called Bandalasta," said Beryl with regards to a salt, pepper and mustard carrier she'd brought along for inspection.

"I believe it was the forerunner to plastics and formica."

However, the arrival of World War II brought an end to production and a series of events following this meant Bandalasta never became a household name.

"Had Mr Hitler not intervened, who knows how big it could have become."

Half-term activities

Chinese Lanterns @ Christchurch Mansion

Monday 15 - Thurs 18 February

In Chinese culture, Chinese lanterns are specialities for the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the celebration of Chinese New Year. Come along and work with an artist to make your own beautiful and funky willow-frame lantern to take home.

Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm.

£1.50 per child, Ages 4+, book in advance by calling 01473 433691 or dropping in to Christchurch Mansion

Drama Days @ Ipswich Museum

16, 17 and 18 February

These day-long workshops explore the theme of 'Big Cats'. You will learn lines, design props, and work towards a short performance at the end of the day.

£7.00 per child, age 8-16 only. Bring a packed lunch!

10.30am - 3.30pm (performance 3.30-4pm)

Places are limited, and must be booked and paid for in advance.

Call 01473 433691 or drop in to Christchurch Mansion to book and pay.

On the trail of Big Cats @ Ipswich Museum

Tues 16 - Sat 20 February

Come along and celebrate the Year of the Tiger with a fun Big Cats quiz trail!

20p per sheet, drop-in 10am-5pm, all ages.

Make your own dragon finger puppet @ Ipswich Museum

Tues 16 Feb - Fri 19 Feb

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a fabulous finger-puppet dragon! Buy your sheet and then either take it home or make it at the activity station.

50p per sheet, drop in 10am-5pm, equipment provided.

Any age, but young children must bring adult helpers.