As the Christmas holidays approach, a special new exhibition featuring treasured memories of childhood has been officially launched at Dover Museum. From traditional dolls and tin-plate trains, to superhero comics and action figures, items from childhood over the last 100 years have been gathered for this major display for all the family.
'Our Childhood Past' was officially launched at Dover Museum on Wednesday 10 December. The exhibition aims to cover the joys of childhood with wide-ranging displays of items from the last 100 years. There are also toys and games for visitors to play with, in the form of hands-on exhibits and working models, computer interactives and even a film show of episodes of children's TV from the last 50 years.
As part of the exhibition, the Museum also arranged a painting competition with local schools, and over 250 entries were received from 9 primary schools across the district. The exhibition includes a display of winning paintings, and the launch included special presentations to the winners in the three age categories.
Cllr Stephen Manion, Vice Chairman of Dover District Council, said: "We were very pleased to celebrate the installation of this latest exhibition. This is the most interactive of all the temporary exhibitions that have been staged at the Museum. Survey work that stemmed from the youth group established at the Museum called for this, and following much appreciated work of a great many people, the excellent results are here to see."
Cllr Mrs Sue Nicholas, DDC Cabinet Member said: "The launch was a great success and there is something magical about seeing all these toys from childhood. We were very pleased to congratulate the winners from the art competition, and our thanks go out to all the schools and everyone who took part. We hope as many people as possible come along to see the pictures and enjoy this wonderful exhibition."
The exhibition runs until September 2009. Dover Museum is open normal hours throughout the Christmas holidays, but is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. For more information, you can contact Dover Museum on 01304 201066.
