Fairfield House Bath CIC was set up to preserve and celebrate Emperor Haile Selassie I’s legacy at his home in exile in Bath. He is an extraordinary figure in historic, political, faith and cultural terms. Now we seek to run events which open the Tafari Art Gallery & Museum to the public from October (Black History Month) 2021.
This micro-internship will assist in the preparation of the Museum for public opening, it will include research of an item, preparation for display, interpretation, and dressing of the space. Or it will focus on organising, storing and researching a very recent bequest of important papers from a renowned Ethiopologist to the House, Richard Pankhurst (son of Sylvia).
The context of the project is that Fairfield House has informal, ad hoc experience of visitors and their expectations and has academic and heritage expertise in museums, Rastafari and Ethiopian history. It is important for our communities of interest, the future of the house, for ease of day-to-day operations and for the business plan which reinvests in it, that we now open to the public in a structured, charged for way.
Your tasks could cover:
Identifying objects donated to the museum for the catalogue via online research and in discussion with experts
Researching display methods and sourcing mounts, stands and cabinets
Writing and producing labels for interpretation
Assisting with working out appropriate storage methods, as we move items into the museum from the library
Coming up with ideas to dress the space, move furniture and improve presentation and impact
Working with Rastafari historians to organise the Pankhurst papers
You will be supervised by board members Celia Mead or Ras Benji Pettit. You may work other members of the team and volunteers. You will have the chance to observe a board meeting (by zoom) if desired. There may be further opportunities to volunteer.
The project will conclude with the allocated display area within the museum room being complete, ready for public opening. Or with the section of papers being organised, researched and accessible within the library. You will gain insight into the amazing legacy of HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I and his significance to our communities of interest as we build on our vision to create and open a multi-cultural centre, multi-faith, unique piece of heritage. You will also gain skills in museum display and presentation and working with rare artefacts.
Candidates will be considered from humanities and social sciences. You will need to demonstrate:
Ability to research independently
Good written skills
Knowledge of museum presentation (from observation/visiting)
