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News  »  Wallingford Museum in 2020



   Wallingford Museum in 2020    9 March, 2020

‘Plague, Pus and Pills’ is the deservedly graphic title of our main exhibition. It traces the fascinating history of Wallingford’s hospitals, caring for the sick in the town from medieval times to the present day. Its portrayal of the challenges of dealing with plague, leprosy, smallpox, scarlet fever and other such outbreaks, as well as more common illness and disabilities, brings the past vividly to light.

Outbreaks of infectious diseases were always much feared, and in the 18th century smallpox was a killer.

So don’t be squeamish – be brave enough to come and explore our fascinating exhibition and find out just why we are so lucky to live in the 21st century!

 

Our second exhibition of 'Willis family of Wallingford - artists and artisans' brings to life the work of a local family. The Willis family came to Wallingford from Hagbourne in the early 19th century living and working in High Street and what is now The Dolphin public house. An industrious Quaker family, all of their six sons had artisan or professional careers. This exhibition spotlights the careers of George (1822-1907) an artist who depicted local scenes, and flora and fauna for engraved book illustrations, and William (1814-1883) also an artist but whose main business was engraving and inventing ways to fix early photographs. He patented the aniline process of copying and his son, also William (1841-1923) patented what became the universally acclaimed and commercially successful platinotype process.

 

Our first family-friendly event will be 'Can You Face It' during the school Easter holidays. Create your own facial reconstruction at one of our workshops being held on 7, 9, 14, 16 April. We have the 'skulls', play dough and know how! Children FREE with adults (£5 season ticket). Early online booking advised at :-www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk

 

Stu Darby

www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk

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