Creative Writing at the Museum of Archaeology

Join us for a FREE workshop and handle some of the Museum of Archaeology's objects, then respond to Durham’s heritage through creative writing.

The Museum of Archaeology is situated within Palace Green Library, on Palace Green in centre of Durham. In this workshop you will be able to get hands on with Durham’s history. Our experienced volunteers will share all the tips and techniques to handling objects safely as well as the compelling stories each object tells.

After handling the artefacts, you will then be able to capture your experience through writing. From poetry to short stories to personal reflections, we want to hear your voice.

At the end of the workshop, you will have the option to submit your writing to be printed and displayed in the gallery space on upcoming community wall.

FREE of charge, but booking essential at Eventbrite. 

This workshop is suitable for adults and children aged 11+

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Every person attending will require a ticket, so book a ticket for every adult or child in your party.

Cancellations

Tickets are free, but spaces are limited so booking via Eventbrite is essential. If you book a place and can no longer make it, please cancel your booking so your place can be offered to someone else. Thank you.

Parking

Unfortunately, there is no parking available at Palace Green library. The nearest car park is the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre car park (DH1 3UJ) and it is within a 5-10 min walk.

Public Transport

The Cathedral Bus stops directly opposite Palace Green Library.

Accessibility

The workshop is taking place in an upstairs gallery space with lift access. Th nearest toilets to the workshop space are downstairs.

A member of staff or volunteer can help to guide you if needed.

Food cannot be eaten in the gallery. Feel free to bring a snack or a drink; however, they will have to be eaten outside. You can leave and return to the gallery at any point.

Agenda for the workshop

1pm - Introduction and overview of the session

1.10pm - You will be allowed to wander round the room and handle the objects on display. Volunteers will be stationed at each table to help you handle each object and answer any questions you have about what each object is.

2.00pm - You will then be able to respond in writing in any way you see fit. You may bring laptops into the gallery or use paper. Once you have finished writing - whether it be a poem, short story or personal reflection - you may choose to leave your work with us and we will print it into a book that will be displayed for all to read when the gallery officially opens.

If you don’t finish your writing in time but still want to have your work printed in the book, you can email your finished piece to be included.

For more information on parking and accessible, please visit our website.

For any queries, please email archaeology.museum@durham.ac.uk or telephone 0191 334 2932