We recently installed an exhibition on vaccination, which dove tails into
areas predictably fraught with strong and divided popular opinion. The
issues surrounding immunisation are heated to say the least. As a sideline,
I might add, too hot and topical for the museum to have any real bearing on,
except of course to take the slighty longer view. In any case it was decided
to fix a writing slope against a wall, fitted with tear-out writing paper,
under a large pin board, upon which visitor comments would be posted. A text
panel raised the central question of choice or chance - whether it should be
state enforced, left to personal choice or left alone. You can guess the
rest. The wall was almost immediately awash with comments. Fascinating
writings, drawings, graffiti, etc which continually evolves and unfolds
before our eyes. The exhibition, despite having fascinating objects, human
organs and grizzly pictures, is almost second fiddle to the self-generating
discussion raging in the corner.

Gary Crockett
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
a property of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales
www.hht.nsw.gov.au


>Matt Kirchman wrote:
>
>> Can anyone out there speak of a successful drawing or writing station in
>> an exhibit? ie: a desk surface and a pad of paper where someone can pick
>> up a drawing or writing implement and then take home an original work of
>> art?
>>
>