In 2015 we're addressing another popular promise:this year I will do more culture!
Well we're always pleased to help here at The DC. This January & February will be dedicated to pointing London Walkers and Daily Constitutionalists in the direction of LONDON'S BEST MUSEUMS.
We've canvassed the London Walks guides, asking them to nominate their desert island museum and we'll be posting their responses throughout the month.
As usual, you are more than welcome to join in! Get in touchvia Facebook, orTwitteror viathe usual email address.
The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill features on so many of those "Hidden/Secret London" lists so beloved of journalists that it's surely no secret any more.
The Horniman, named for Frederick John Horniman, a 19th Century tea merchant whose personal collection forms the cornerstone of the museum, is a vivid collection of musical instruments, natural history and cultural artefacts. The collection is housed in an eccentric Arts and Crafts building set in lovely gardens - both the gardens and the museum are free of charge. Great views, too.
My favourite aspect of the museum is how it blends curation techniques both old and new.
From one angle it's a most museumy museum - it has specimens under glass and these "old school" presentation techniques do something to me, affect me in quite a delicious way: they take me back to my childhood, when ALL museums were presented in such a way. It awakens in me the childlike sensation that I'm in a place where I will learn something. A thrilling sensation.
But before I make it sound more mausoleum than museum, its traditional aspects are enlivened by a rolling programme of events and exhibitions for museum goers of all ages - and there are around 3000 pieces that can be handled by visitors.
This February - in time for half term - the Plantastic exhibition will open (14th Feb - November 2015). If you've ever wondered how a bee sees the world, or doubted the importance of dung (!) then this is the exhibition for you!
Here's a short video introduction...
Horniman Museum and Gardens,
Our current London Walks Podcast is on London Museums...
A London Walk costs £9 - £7 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com
