Students give Eastwood's DH Lawrence Museum a digital refresh
Final year media, production and tourism students at Nottingham Trent University have worked with the DH Lawrence Birthplace Museum in Eastwood to gain a unique insight into working within the heritage and museums industry – where accuracy, accessibility, and creativity come to the fore.
Working with the museum team, students were given a variety of briefs to help improve the visitor offer and bring the Lawrence legacy to wider audiences.
From researching historical material to producing and refining the final edits, students took the lead on every step of the process from start to finish, allowing them to apply their practical skills in a professional setting, building confidence and developing an understanding of industry standards.
Building on feedback from Lawrence experts at the Victoria Street museum, students were able to produce authentic, inclusive and engaging resources that are ready for use at the award-winning museum.
Two new audio tours were produced as part of the class’s work, enabling immersive self-guided tours for adults and children, as well as two new information videos to be displayed in the museum, and new marketing materials promoting the museum’s digital tour and loan box offering.
This project is the latest in a long line of collaborations with both local universities, Nottingham Trent University and University of Nottingham.
The museum prides itself on providing students with meaningful, career-focused experience at a cultural institution, enhancing their employability and building their professional portfolios to set them in good stead for future roles.
Maria Lonergan, a third year media production student, said: “From working on this project I feel more confident in my skills going into employment.
"Working with a client and fulfilling a specific brief has taught me professionality and what to expect and handle in this situation.
"This experience is something that will be appealing on my CV to potential employers, so I am thankful I was able to do this."
Matthew Kerry, senior lecturer in media production at Nottingham Trent University, added, “It was an absolute pleasure to work with Carolyn and the team at the museum.
"The students were supported very well throughout the project with access to archive material and visits to the museum to film and record.
"The museum staff were also willing to help take part in interviews and voiceover recordings to enhance the quality of the productions.
"The work experience for the students has been invaluable.”
Carolyn Melbourne, museum and collection officer, said: Working with the students has been great.
"I’m so impressed by their professionalism, creativity, and the quality of the work that they have produced, which will enrich the experience for museum visitors.”