A monthly meeting for discussions about photography led by photographer, journalist, author and teacher, Paul Hill. Each month will present a different aspect within the field of photographic practice, including publishing, technique, individual artists, reading images, and encourage discussion and debate that is relevant to the image makers of the region. The first introductory session will focus on photographers' work in relation to 'using our own lives as subject matter'. 

FORMAT photoforum

Last Tuesday of every month.
Starting 23rd October 6.30pm - 8.30pm in QUAD, Derby
Tickets £3. Booking essential through QUAD box office

QUAD & FORMAT International Photography Festival
QUAD | Market Place | Cathedral Quarter | Derby | DE1 3AS | UK

Tel. 01332 290606

www.derbyquad.co.uk

A special event was held last night to celebrate the important contribution that Michael G Wilson OBE HonFRPS has made as a Trustee and Patron of the Science Museum. Science Museum Director Ian Blatchford and government minister Ed Vaizey were amongst the guests present. Wilson is to be the first chair of a new Science Museum Foundation tasked with major fundraising and generating support for significant projects within the Science Museum Group. He has been the driving force behind the realisation of the National Media Museum and Science Museum's Media Space and described the space as 'a centre for learning and discussion'. 

Media Space is located on the second floor of the Science Museum and overlooks Exhibition Road. Concept drawings have been shown here (see: http://britishphotohistory.ning.com/profiles/blogs/media-space-the-first-view-of-the-space) but when one sees the actual space it is physically stunning and offers a wealth of exciting possibilities for the display of historic and contemporary photography and associated objects.

BPH has been asked by the museum not to disclose further information about the space and Media Space's opening date which it has agreed to respect.

Photo: A small part of the Media Space space. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Two post-doctoral Research Fellow positions are available at De Montfort University, Leicester, to work on the AHRC funded FuzzyPhoto project that is developing and testing computer-based “finding aids” for recommending potential matches between historical photographic exhibition catalogue records and images of photographs that appear in online collections.  One will have a knowledge of the Semantic Web, metadata schemas and Web site development, the other will be responsible for investigating and trialling modern database engines and management systems.  For further details see http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AFD578/research-fellow-semantic-web/ and http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AFD581/research-fellow-data-warehousing/

We invite international submissions to be included in this forthcoming book, to be published by MuseumsEtc in 2013. The photograph album carries the potential to convey meaning beyond the images contained within it. However, the long history of the photograph and the album is currently changing because of the way in which we are now making and using photographs. This could be seen as a challenge to the album or viewed as an opportunity to take us in new directions and offer alternative interpretations. 

Submissions: We welcome submissions of between 2000-6000 words from writers, academics, curators, photographers, artists and other visual practitioners. If your submission is of a visual nature it will extend to 6-8 pages of the published book.

We are seeking contributions that deal with a wide range of issues in connection with the photograph and the album and the relationship between them. This could encompass conceptual, cultural, historical and visual concerns relating to: 

• the album as home-made, hand-made and/or domestic artefact 
• the album as art object 
• the family album 
• the travel album 
• the commercially-made photograph album 
• the digital album 
• the photograph album and the museum 
• the collecting of albums 
• the photograph album as social memory and political document 
• the presence and the absence of the photograph album 

Submitting a proposal: If you are interested in being considered as a contributor, please submit a proposal of between 300-500 words with a short biography and CV to the following address: J.Carson@salford.ac.uk by Monday 1 October 2012. If you have any queries about this CFP please email:J.Carson@salford.ac.uk

The book will be published in print and digital editions by MuseumsEtc in 2013. Contributors will receive a complimentary copy of the publication and a discount on more.

The Editors: Jonathan Carson is Associate Head (Academic) and Senior Lecturer in Critical & Contextual Studies in the School of Art & Design, University of Salford, UK. Rosie Miller is a Lecturer and Critical & Contextual Studies Area Leader in the School of Art & Design, University of Salford, UK. Theresa Wilkie is Director of Design & Culture and Senior Lecturer in Critical & Contextual Studies in the School of Art & Design, University of Salford, UK. All three previously edited Photography and the Artist’s Book (MuseumsEtc, 2012).

DEADLINES:

ABSTRACTS DUE: 1 OCTOBER 2012

CONTRIBUTORS NOTIFIED: 1 NOVEMBER  2012 (provisional)

COMPLETED PAPERS DUE: 28 JANUARY 2013 (provisional)

Click here to download the PDF version of this Call for Papers

British Pathé has created a collection of photos showing amazing vintage cameras in its '50 Classic Cameras' album but has little knowledge of old cameras. It is seeking commentwith some information on any of the photos. Any information on make, age, etc would be greatly appreciated.

There are three ways of contacting British Pathé:

1.      Register with the website (for free) and leave a comment on the gallery itself

2.      Join the archive's Facebook page

3.      Find British Pathé on Twitter and chat there @britishpathe

The link for the gallery is below:

http://www.britishpathe.com/gallery/50-classic-cameras-gallery

David Burder FRPS, FBIPP, BSc, and Terry King, who was made an FRPS back in 1982 will be running a a very special workshop on 21 and 22 September 2012. David G Burder will be running the hands-on daguerreotype part of the workshop while Terry King will lead an exercise in making heliographs using asphalt in the way Nicéphore Niépce made the first extant photograph of the view from his window at Chalon sur Saone in 1826.

Not many people have done this!

David is Director of 3D Images Ltd in London, and holder of a dozen 3D imaging patents. He is a Fellow Of The Royal Photographic Society, and a previous recipient of several RPS awards, including The Saxby award for 3D imaging. Terry has been making alternative process photographs since the early seventies and has many exhibitions and articles on his work published. He founded the Alternative Processes International Symposium.

David is one of only a handful of practising Daguerreoptypists/ lecturers in the world today, David appeared on BBC TV, as well as in in The Guinness book of records, for creating the Worlds largest Daguerreotype. (having first had to build a 2 metre tall camera to house the 24x48 inch plate holder.)

He also created the worlds first 3D Lenticular “Dag”, as well as re-discovering the fabled true colour Daguerreotype process. David has given several “live, hands on” demonstrations of this  procedure at several RPS events.

As he wrote in The Daguerrian annual, “in making Daguerreotypess, I have created many smells and met many new friends”.

David will take participants through the many aspects (some safe, some dangerous), of Daguerreotype imaging, the cameras and actual hands-on production of an actual Daguerreotype image. It will be a very interactive experience.

This is a rare opportunity to see a Daguerreotypist at work.

The cost for the two days will be £400. The workshop will take place at Terry’s studio in Richmond. See www.hands-on-pictures .com and http://www.hands-on-pictures.com/page8/page15/page15.html

The BBC is showing a programme about a major discovery of early colour film made at the National Media Museum by curator of film Michael Harvey. Movies were a wonder of the Edwardian age, but they were only in black and white. With a fortune waiting for whoever could invent moving colour images, a desperate race began to be the first, with back stabbing businessmen, amazing engineering and a tragic death all involved.

Now, researchers at the National Media Museum in Bradford have made a remarkable discovery that rewrites film history. Brighton may have been the Hollywood of the Edwardian age, but the question is: who actually came first in the race for colour?

Broadcaster, journalist and film critic Antonia Quirke follows the National Media Museum's astonishing discovery, and looks back at the history of the colour film industry.

See: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01mw0cl The programme shows on Monday 17 September 2012, 7.30-8.00pm in the South East and Yorkshire regions only and on the BBC iPlayer. 

Image: Lee and Turner three-colour projector from the National Media Museum collection.

Cecil Beaton is one of Britain’s most celebrated photographers and designers. His glamorous photographs of royalty and celebrities projected him to fame but his extraordinary work as a wartime photographer is less well-known.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Information in July 1940, Beaton was the longest serving high-profile photographer to cover the Second World War. He travelled throughout Britain, the Middle East, India, China and Burma and captured a world on the brink of lasting change.

In later years, Beaton attributed his war photographs as his single most important body of photographic work. Through his photographs, drawings and books as well as his work in theatre and film, this exhibition tells the story of how the war became a personal turning point in Beaton’s career.

The exhibition runs until 1 January 2013. 

Hilary Roberts, Curator of Photographs, and Michael Pritchard, Director-General of The Royal Photographic Society discussed the exhibition live on television today with Alan Titchmarsh (see photo above / courtesy ITV1) 

The clip can be seen here (starts at 12m 10s): http://www.itv.com/itvplayer/video/?Filter=324846

More on the exhibition can be found here: http://www.iwm.org.uk/exhibitions/iwm-london/cecil-beaton-theatre-of-war

Bath's Victoria Art Gallery will be showing the work of Roger Mayne from 26 January-7 April 2013. The exhibition: Roger Mayne: aspects of a great photographer will be his first museum show for 22 years. Born in 1929 Roger Mayne photographed London's street life in the 1950s, capturing its vigour and poverty. Later he photographed his own children and people observed on his own travels. His many friendships with artists influenced his approach to photography and resulted in telling portraits plus a photo essay on the Bath Academy of Art. This show surveys his career and includes rare vintage prints for sale. 

Details: Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath, Somerset, BA2 4AT. Tel:  01225 477233.  E: victoria-enquiries@bathnes.org.uk W: www.victoriagal.org.uk

The Department of Special Collections of the University of St Andrews Library has a new Tumblr blog called “lux”. Marc Boulay, the photographic archivist writes... Its aim is to cater to those who will enjoy receiving a steady stream of images which illustrate the scope of our Photographic Collection and the new discoveries we're making every week. Out of our vast collection of over 700,000 historic photographs, only 10% are currently available online. “lux” will give followers the opportunity to enjoying a sneak peak at some of the previously unseen and rare photos we have on offer. 

Our aim is to share weekly selections which illustrate the breadth of our collection and encourage those interested to learn more. Please share our images and forward our posts with others as the more people that use the collection the better. Don’t forget that you’re welcome to come see the originals! Members of the public, students of all ages and disciplines, or those who are just plain curious are all welcome.

Follow us on Tumblr: http://standrewsphotos.tumblr.com/

As well, our wider Department of Special Collections has been doing an ongoing series entitled "52 weeks of Inspiring Illustrations" which represents material from across all our collections (Photographs, Books, Manuscripts) which is featured on "Echoes from the Vault" our departmental WordPress blog. Every 3rd or 4th week there is a post of photographic interest which highlights our collection through an introduction to various photographic processes. It is meant for a generalist audience, but I figured it might be of interest to certain members of your readership. Here's the run of posts which cover photography so far (earliest to latest):

http://standrewsrarebooks.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/52-weeks-of-inspiring-illustrations-week-3-an-evolutionary-history-of-photography/

http://standrewsrarebooks.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/52-weeks-of-inspiring-illustrations-week-5-cameraless-lensless-and-shutterless-photography-the-photogenic-drawing/

http://standrewsrarebooks.wordpress.com/2012/08/13/52-weeks-of-inspiring-illustrations-week-8-the-calotype-negative/

http://standrewsrarebooks.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/52-weeks-of-inspiring-illustrations-week-11-imbedded-in-the-fibres-the-salted-paper-print/

Echoes from the Vault also features other posts about photography, photobooks and developments in our collection.

Main image: Sunset over Mull, 1938. Photograph by Robert Moyes Adam.

De Montfort University's Photographic History Research Centre has published details of its Autumn research seminars in cultures of photography. Seminars are open to everyone. 

Autumn 2012, Tuesdays 4 – 6pm, Edith Murphy Building, De Montfort University, Room number in square brackets.

October 9^th     [EM 1.07]

Dr Steve Edwards (Open University)

Beard Patentee, Claudet Exception: Photography, Biography and Intellectual Property

November 6^th  [EM 1.28]

Professor Clare Anderson (University of Leicester)

Representation, photograph-objects and family albums: visualising the Andaman Islands penal colony, 1858-1939

December 4^th  [EM 1.27]

Kim Timby (Independent Scholar, Paris)

From Mirror to Window: The Promise of Early Lenticular Photography

in conjunction with PHRC’s annual 3-D day]

Any queries, please contact the convener: Professor Elizabeth Edwards, Photographic History Research Centre. E: eedwards@dmu.ac.uk

An AHRC-funded Collaborative Doctoral Award studentship covering stipend and tuition fee costs is offered within the Photographic History Research Centre (PHRC) in the Faculty of Art, Design and Humanities in collaboration with the British Museum.

The project addresses the role of photography and its relationship with other mimetic technologies in field archaeology and the subsequent institutional life of the images in the construction of ‘heritage’. The project also explores the methodological implications for a ‘photographic history’ approach to collections and institutions.

The project will focus on the 1513 magnificent late nineteenth century photographs made of Maya archaeology by Alfred Maudslay, their relationship with other kinds of recording and their subsequent ‘life’ in the Museum. The student will have scope, within the project parameters, to develop an emphasis in photographic history, collections history, history of science, or museum practice in archaeological heritage.

The PhD studentship will be based at PHRC which undertakes leading innovative research on photography and its practices from the early nineteenth century to the present day, and over a wide range of social and cultural processes. It has a dynamic and growing research community and an excellent research library for photographic history. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of this community and that at the British Museum.

Supervision will be available from Professor Elizabeth Edwards (DMU) and key members of British Museum staff who have active interests in photography, history, archaeology and collections history.  The studentship will be based at DMU, Leicester, with extended London-based periods of study at the British Museum and related archives

Candidates might come from a range of possible disciplines: art history, history of photography, museum and heritage studies, science and technology studies, material culture studies, archaeology, visual anthropology, or visual culture studies. A knowledge of Meso-American archaeology is not a requirement.

PHOTOGRAPHS, MUSEUMS AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Alfred Maudslay, Photography and the Mimetic Technologies of Archaeology: A Study in Method, Process and Effect

Photographic History Research Centre, De Montfort University, Leicester/ British Museum, London

STARTING JANUARY 2013

For a more detailed description of the PHRC please visit our web site or contact

Professor Edwards (eedwards@dmu.ac.uk) who will be happy to discuss the studentship further.

Applications are invited from UK or eligible EU/overseas students  (please check http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/FundingOpportunities/Documents/GuidetoStudentFunding.pdf Annex A for residency requirements) with a good first degree (First, 2:1 or equivalent) and MA in a relevant subject. Applications are welcome from MAs completing 2012. The CDA scholarship is available for three years full-time study starting January 2013, providing a bursary for both maintenance  (currently c. £14,500) and fees.

To receive an application pack, please contact the Faculty Research Office via email at ADHresearch&innovation@dmu.ac.uk.  Completed applications should be returned together with a full CV, two supporting references, a statement explaining your interest in the project, and an example of your written work of c.3000 words.

Please quote ref: AHRC/CDA/PHRC12/2

CLOSING DATE: September 28^th 2012

Interview date:  week beginning October 15 2012

The status of photographs in the history of museum collections is a complex one. From the inception of the medium its double capacity as an aesthetic form and as a recording medium created tensions about its place in the hierarchy of museum objects.  While museums had been amassing photographs since about 1850, it was, for instance, only in the 1970s that the first senior curators of photographs were appointed in UK museums. On the one hand major collections of ‘art’ photography have grown in status and visibility, while photographs not designated  ‘art’ are often invisible in museums. On the other hand almost every museum has photographs as part of its ecosystem, gathered as information, corroboration or documentation, shaping the understanding of other classes of objects. Many of these collections remain uncatalogued and their significance unrecognised. However recent years have seen an increasing interest in the histories of these humble objects, both their role in collections histories and their histories in their own right.

This one-day meeting, a collaboration between MGHG and the Photographic History Research Centre at De Montfort University, Leicester, will explore the substantive and historiographical questions around museum collections of photographs. How do categories of the aesthetic and evidential shape the history of collecting photographs? What are the implications of shifts in these categories? What has been the work of photographs in museums? What does an understanding of photograph collections add to our understanding of collections history more broadly? What are the methodological demands of research on photograph collections?

Abstracts of no more than 250 words, for 25 minute papers, should be sent to Professor Elizabeth Edwards (eedwards@dmu.ac.uk)  and Dr Kate Hill (khill@lincoln.ac.uk) by November 10th  2012.

Details of the day will be posted in December 2012.

Between Art and Information: Collecting Photographs

One Day Meeting, Leicester, Saturday March 2^nd 2013

A collaboration between: Museums and Galleries History Group/Photographic History Research Centre, De Montfort University

The National Media Museum is looking to engage an architectural designer to work with it to create a new BFI Mediatheque in the museum building. It is looking for an experienced architectural designer to lead on the design, to appoint and manage a graphic designer and to coordinate the overall design scheme. This is an exciting opportunity to create a unique and innovative design which will refresh the museums’ visitor experience. The work is expected to last from October 2012-April 2013. 

There are currently five  BFI Mediatheque across the UK. The offer visitors the opportunity to access films and television programmes from the BFI National Archive, free of charge. The Mediatheque is a digital jukebox of film and television programmes from the BFI’s unique collections, augmented by content from regional archives.  With 85% of its content unavailable to view anywhere else new content is added regularly building a unique collection of titles from the lesser known and newly rediscovered through to well-loved classics.  Access to Mediatheque content is provided free to the general public. 

Contact: Sharon Goldsbrough, Science Museum Group, Science Museum, Exhibition Road, Property and Project Management (North), London, GB, SW7 2DD . Tel: 0274 203428. e: MPG@sciencemuseum.org.uk

BPH has reported on the decline in visitor numbers at the National Media Museum over recent years (see: http://britishphotohistory.ning.com/profiles/blogs/national-media-museum-visitor-numbers-continue-to-fall) The Museum has just issued a tender document for an audience research exercise to:

1. Review of existing audience research; produce a draft brief for commissioning additional qualitative research and an initial review of the NMeM.

2. Provide oversight of additional qualitative research, providing advice and guidance to process: 2.5 days work.

3. Presentation of initial review to internal stakeholders: 1 day.

4. Produce detailed recommendations for the audience development plan and an outline document.

5. Presentation of final plan to internal stakeholders: 1 day.

6. Provide training and implementation of Audience Plan: 10 days.

For more information or to bid for the contract contact: Heather Mayfield at the Science Museum 020 7942 4000.

Ron Callender has published a small illustrated booklet Mr Driffield and Dr Hurter. Their lives & times in pictures. The booklet provides a useful summary of their lives and work. The booklet is available from Ron Callender for £4.50 including postage. Email: finlaggan@hotmail.com

The Royal Photographic Society is holding the next in its Hurter & Driffield Memorial Lecture series on 10 September in London. The series started in 1918. See: www.rps.org/sasson

Are you an art curator looking to join a cross-discipline team exploring and questioning science, technology and visual media? The Science Museum Group is looking for two motivated individuals with experience of researching, developing and delivering artist-led exhibitions, events and participatory projects for adult audiences. You will be self-motivated and able to work effectively within a team and comfortable communicating with a range of people including artists, experts, colleagues, volunteers and students. You will be willing and able to balance creative curatorial work with routine and necessary tasks as and when appropriate.

Under direction, you will use your experience and enthusiasm to research and deliver ideas that utilise our world-class collections in an artist-led content programme. Previous experience of managing the delivery of art commissions, exhibitions and/or events is important.   

• Two posts
• One year fixed term
• Closing date 17 September 2012

Application details

When you apply you will be asked to upload one document in Microsoft Word format which includes both your CV and a covering statement. If you are applying for more than one role please upload your CV and then answer online the role specific question.

In your covering statement please state why you feel you are suitable for this role. Please focus only on the experience you consider to be most relevant to this role.

Information for internal applicants  

The post is offered on SMG Enterprises terms, but employees currently on Museum terms may apply, and remain on Museum terms, subject to conditions to be discussed at time of offer.

This position will be offered as a secondment. Your department must be willing to release you and hold your post open for your return, and you are advised to check that this is possible before you apply.

SMG Job Description

Job Details

Job Title: Associate Curator, Media Space and Arts Programme

Department:Exhibition Unit

Location: ScienceMuseum, London 
Reports to :Head of Media Space and Arts Programme

Date: August 2012

Purpose of the Job

To research, develop and deliver Media Space and Art exhibitions, interventions, events, on-line and residencies, working with artists to investigate science, technology and visual media (photography, film, television and new media).

Key Deliverables/Accountabilities

• To manage up to five Programme Assistants/Assistant Curators, volunteers and placement students as required
• To research, develop and deliver an authoritative and innovative programme of exhibitions, events, residences and online content, to time, budget and quality
• To manage participatory practice and community engagement with arts projects
• To manage evening events and activities as part of the Media Space programme
• To ensure all processes and documentation are adhered to, liaising with colleagues across the museums including Collections, Conservation and Corporate and Collections Information departments
• To monitor budgets up to £50,000
• To administer consultancy agreements with artists in consultation with the Museum’s legal department
• To manage the delivery, including the management of contractors and consultants, of art installations both in Media Space and elsewhere as required in the ScienceMuseum
• To contribute to the development of sponsorship proposals and fundraising documents
• To build networks and generate new ideas and proposals through active research for the Media Space and Arts Programme
• Take care of your personal health and safety and that of others and report any health and safety concerns.  Ensure proactive compliance with Science Museum Group H&S Policies, including risk assessments and implementing safe systems of work

Working Relationships and Contacts

• Curator, Media Space and Arts Programme (line manager) – delivery of the content programme
• Head of Media Space and Arts Programme (senior line manager) – to ensure the content programme reflects Science Museum Group brands and values and is consistent with overall programming
• Collections (both at ScienceMuseum and NationalMediaMuseum) – delivery of high quality content and to develop the collections and understanding
• Design – delivery of high quality design for exhibitions and associated products
• Workshops – delivery and installation of gallery products
• Conservation – appropriate object handling, and display
• Corporate and Collections Information – loan and purchase agreements
• Learning – delivery of associated learning products
• Visitor research – co-develop interpretation strategies for exhibitions
• New Media – delivery of innovative multimedia products
• Development and fundraising – support the team and provide information for sponsors
• Marketing and communications – to ensure accurate and effective marketing and PR, maximising opportunities for external communications
• Artists – delivery installations
• External experts – research of high-quality content
• External contractors – construction of new exhibitions with specialist contractors

Line Management and Budget Responsibility

Directly line manages: Up to 2 Programme Assistants / Assistant Curators, plus volunteers, interns

Indirectly line manages: None

Contractors/freelancers: Ongoing management/liaison of relationships and contracts

Budget Holder of £ Up to £50K project budgets

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Demonstrable evidence of developing sound curatorial ideas and innovative ways of engaging audiences with content
• Demonstrable evidence of managing the delivery of audience-focused exhibitions, events and artworks in museums or large-scale visitor attractions
• Experience/understanding of community engagement and participatory practice with artists/art projects
• Experience/understanding of the challenges involved with delivering themes to an adult audience
• Demonstrable experience of commissioning and working with artists/photographers to develop concepts and ideas
• Demonstrable experience of working with subject specialists to deliver accurate, engaging content for non-specialist target audiences
• Demonstrable experience of event and/or conference development, organisation and delivery
• Demonstrable experience of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional exhibition design process
• Demonstrable evidence of effectively working in a team, supporting colleagues and managing stakeholders
• Good external networks and understanding of the display of contemporary art and photography
• Experience/understanding of the management of staff

Skills, Knowledge and Relevant Qualifications

• A proven record in communicating art, media art and science through exhibitions or live events
• Strong curatorial skills with a critical awareness of contemporary art and/or photography discourses
• A degree in an arts-related subject, or equivalent experience
• Strong communication skills and ability to liaise with photographers, artists and external specialists/organisations
• Ability to research and develop accurate and engaging content within tight deadlines
• Proven track record of delivering projects on time that involves co-ordination of a number of stakeholders
• Proven ability to work effectively on more than one project simultaneously, managing different programmes to achieve high quality results
• Ability to manage and deliver complex live events with a number of stakeholders 
• Excellent research skills and ability to originate ideas
• Evidence of strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Evidence of managing resources carefully
• Evidence of coordinating the work of different teams within demanding timescales
• Good writing skills
• Familiarity with and experience of the PRINCE 2 project management system

Behaviours

• Ability to multi-task and prioritise effectively
• Ability to react positively to change and uncertainty
• Ability to work to tight deadlines, often in pressured environments
• Ability to follow directed research creatively
• Proactive and organised in approach to work, with attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders of different backgrounds, supporting and learning from other team members
• Ability to work well within teams located over more than one site
• Ability to manage projects effectively, maintaining excellent standards and effective communication
• Enthusiastic and committed to delivering innovative projects
• Encourages creativity and supports innovation and work of the highest quality
• Motivate, develop and support staff to ensure a cohesive, skilled and focused team

Scope for Impact

• Delivery of high quality, life-enhancing, audience focused experiences that increase visitor awareness of media art and the collections of the Science Museum Group
• Delivery of exhibitions that are world-class standards in curation, exhibition, presentation and display of photography and contemporary art
• Delivery of a regular, rich, engaging programming of innovative products that enhances the Museum’s reputation and establishes the Museum at the forefront of the field
• Extend the reach of the Museum by developing new products that appeal to an adult audience
• Increase breadth of the collections by suggesting programming ideas that proactively increase the collections

Please note:

• This job description is not exhaustive and amendments and additions may be required in line with future changes in policy, regulation or organisational requirements, it will be reviewed on a regular basis.
• This role is subject to a Disclosure Scotland basic criminal record check
• This role will require some evening work

More information: https://vacancies.nmsi.ac.uk/VacancyDetails.aspx?FromSearch=True&MenuID=6Dqy3cKIDOg=&VacancyID=228

The National Portrait Gallery is to allow free downloads and non-commercial use of its images, reports Museums Journal. The change means that more than 53,000 low-resolution images are now available free of charge to non-commercial users through a standard Creative Commons licence. More than 87,000 high-resolution images are available for free for academic use through the gallery’s own licence. Users will be invited to give a donation in return for the service. 

Tom Morgan, head of rights and reproductions at the NPG, said: “Image licensing is really important to the NPG and across the sector, and we’ve always been keen to carefully manage the balance between what we make available for free and what we charge for"

The NPG joins a growing list of major museums opening up their image collections free of charge.

For more on this see: http://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/news/22082012-npg-changes-image-licensing-to-allow-free-downloads

A new 60-minute documentary for ITV1 follows the residents of one East London street as they attempt to turn back the clock and re-enact a street party held for the Coronation to the last detail. Part of the programme recreated Picture Post photographer John Chillingworth's 1953 classic photograph with John using the same models of cameras that he had back in the 1950s. John comments: "I can remember being there, now again, looking at the pictures… it is like yesterday.”

From tracking down the original party-goers, piecing together peoples’ memories of the day Morpeth Street held its party in 1953, to recreating the original Spam sandwiches and photographs, what unfolds is a fascinating look into the lives of people in post-war Britain.  One of the main obstacles facing the 2012 party’s organisers is that the street has changed beyond all recognition – where there were once Victorian terraced houses now stand 1960s tower blocks.

Narrated by Sarah Lancashire, the factual documentary charts how Morpeth Street resident Ruth Scola teams up with other locals to bring the street party together and shows the parallels between life in 1953 and 2012. Ruth’s fellow organiser Elaine Embery says: “We are trying to recreate exactly what happened 60 years ago, so I would really love you all to get involved. Sandwiches, yes. Bunting, yes. I want you all to get on your telephones, try and get people who were involved at that time. If not try to get involved yourself because getting together and doing something like this would be wonderful.” 

Many of the people in the photos taken by Picture Post photographer John Chilllingworth no longer live in the area. But then-teenage waitress Ruth Scola’s father put the original event together.  “Well, he started it up and we didn’t think it would be anything like this. When the Picture Post came down, we thought ‘Hello, what’s going on here then?’ It worked out wonderfully really, it was really lovely.” 

Britain Then and Now,

Episode 1 is aired on ITV1 on Wednesday, 29 August 2012, 9:00PM - 10:00PM (subject to change)

Photographs: above: John Chillingworth by Matt Frost / ITV; Right: John Chillingworth, from his original Picture Post story.