The Wallace Collection took part in a Youth Takeover in the London area, and I was grateful to attend their evening. Takeover Day occurs annually on November 18, and involves children who are interested in building their skills and knowledge for a wide range of arts. It encourages them to contribute to organisations such as museums, galleries or archives, and empowers them with strong decision-making roles to see their own changes in a professional environment.
Friday saw a record-breaking Takeover Day, and according to the Kids In Museums website over 150 sites across England took part (including almost 4,000 young people). This included The Wallace Collection in Manchester Square, Marylebone, and I was privileged to attend as both part of the audience and to see a little behind the scenes of the evening event. Here's what I experienced, from start to finish!
I am handed a booklet upon entry…
"Welcome to our first evening event organised by the Wallace Youth panel! The Wallace Collection is yours for the evening. Enjoy the galleries and Tom Ellis exhibition, relax in the Courtyard Wallace Restaurant and Bar, and enjoy the programme of events."
Excitedly, the group of 14-18 year olds around me begin preparing for the event, and many are eager to tell me that no parents, adults or young children are allowed inside (apart from the head organisers and security guards, of course!).
I stick around the Mary Weston Studio inside The Wallace Collection building, and watch as a few of them set up a large white canvas, and ready-mixed paints (more on this later).
Intrigued, I turn to a participant standing nearby. Chelsea Coates has a large camera around her neck - she's in charge of taking Polaroid snaps for the evening to create a collection during the activity "Like a Polaroid Picture" happening in the Courtyard.
Chelsea: "My idea was partly inspired by something I saw in the National Portrait Gallery earlier this year."
The paints were part of the set-up for a collaborative "Art Wall". Chelsea explains that anyone can come into the Mary Weston Studio and add to the canvas throughout the evening.
Another participant is thrilled that the takeover day has finally arrived: "We've been brainstorming for a few months now, so it's good that it's actually here and it's happening!"
I walk around and am briefed by an enthusiastic participant about "Spotlight", where presentations of their favourite artworks in the museum will be given through three short spotlight talks. After watching their practice sessions, I have a burning question.
How does it feel to be a speaker?
"We did a talk earlier in the year, and I remember being really nervous. We prepared so much; we met up in our own time. And we all practised and researched so much…but there's nothing that can stop the nerves. It does help, the more you do it, for your own confidence in front of the audience, though."
Kicking off at quarter past six, the doors open and floods of teenagers pour into the museum. The talks go exceptionally well, and the practice beforehand seems to have paid off. The speakers are confident and are well-informed as presentations are given in groups of around 20 at a time.
Meanwhile, back at the Mary Weston Studio, some of the girls are pouring out sweet selections for the Pic 'N' Mix section of the event.
In another part of the museum, there's a table for badge-making where you can make your own personalised badge. They encouraged me to make one for Arts Award Voice.
"It's quite quick. And then, learning it is super easy, it's not hard at all. It's super fun, you should make one." The 16-year olds were interested in doing this aspect as a combination of art and history development from subjects they are studying at college.
Colouring sheets were laid on the table for the audience, and refreshments were provided for by the Wallace Restaurant. Most attendees came with their friends and social groups, which made it the perfect environment for a community evening. As nightfall approached, the event also proved to be very educational. I headed to the exhibition gallery and watched a film created by Wallace Youth about artist Tom Ellis, whose work is currently being displayed at The Wallace Collection. It looked at what inspires his passion for painting, and what art forms he enjoys both viewing and producing. The short film was created in partnership with Chocolate Films. The event was incredibly well-organised and laid out, and there were no waiting periods. There was always something going on. And the finished Art Wall looked awesome - spot the Voice logo!
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