Northampton Museum and Art Gallery invites public to collect items during coronavirus crisis for digital exhibition

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is looking to document the pandemic for a digital exhibition to be shown once the museum reopens and is asking members of the public to record their own experiences of Covid-19 and collect objects, stories and information during lockdown.

These items could include stories of lockdown, for example a lockdown video diary, or photographs of rainbows and messages of thanks that appear in neighbours’ windows.

The museum is also calling for stories from NHS workers and carers, as well as how the work of other key workers such as delivery drivers, supermarket employees and postal workers has changed and how Northamptonshire is showing appreciation for these heroes.

The exhibition will also include how local businesses are coping with the massive changes brought about by Covid-19 and will acknowledge those people who have lost their lives due to Covid-19 across the county.

Councillor Anna King, cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the way we interact, operate, socialise, work, live and grieve has completely changed.

“We are now living in a period of historic significance and we would like the public to share items with us that mark this time.

“The museum was due to re-open in June after a major re-development but the opening will now be delayed due to the pandemic.

“When the museum is able to re-open it will be a major attraction for the town, where visitors can discover Northampton’s internationally important shoe collection, explore the town’s rich history, and experience an ever-changing programme of art, activities, events and temporary exhibitions.”

Please send digital items, such as photographs and videos to museums@northampton.gov.uk

Any physical items you would like to donate to the museum please send details to museums@northampton.gov.uk and keep these until safe delivery or collection can be made.

When gathering content, do so safely and follow the government guidelines on social distancing. Please record when and where the content was created and include name, address, email and telephone number.

Northampton Museum & Art Gallery remains closed until further notice. Follow the museum on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthamptonMuseum to receive updates when the museum re-opens.