Eastwood's DH Lawrence Museum making culture more accessible
The DH Lawrence Birthplace Museum in Eastwood has recently made significant steps in making the literary legend’s legacy accessible to more people than ever before.
Being situated in an authentic, listed Victorian home comes with its challenges, but the museum team have been working hard to ensure there are many ways in which the museum can be enjoyed by all abilities, and by people near and far.
Private tours can be arranged, on days when the museum is shut to the public, for support groups where the museum team can tailor the experience to suit specific needs.
For those unable to make it to the museum in person, the chance to be guided through the birthplace of one of England’s greatest writers by one of the museum’s Lawrence experts is available digitally – bringing Eastwood’s cultural icon to a global audience.
Alternatively, loan boxes can be borrowed locally to schools, care homes or institutes, bringing a pop-up museum direct to people.
A variety of boxes are available containing original Victorian artefacts.
The museum has notable sensory opportunities, including live washhouse demonstrations that appeal to visitor’s sense of smell and touch.
Also available are sensory boxes, which contain a mixture of handheld artefacts and smelling blocks that transport guests back in time.
The museum team have hearing loops for guided tours available for people with hearing aids and all videos in the museum are subtitled.
Deaf-initely Women – a charity that supports deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind women – recently paid the museum a visit with five guests, during which they were taken on an accessible tour of Lawrence’s first home.
Feedback from the group included ‘touch smell session was excellent’, ‘learned a lot about DH Lawrence and how harsh life was in Victorian England’ and ‘lovely, friendly staff’.
Carloyn Melbourne, museum and collections officer, said: “Engaging with the museum and collection promotes learning, offers stimulating experiences and connects people with their heritage.
"Everybody should be able to experience this and there is more than one way to do so.
"We are always happy to tailor the experience to the group or individual.”