Thought we’d have a look in the museum this week although we were short of time and I now wish I’d written something earlier as I’ve forgotten the details.
The painting of Sir Richard Arkwright that the museum has bought with help from many organisations and shares with the National Portrait Gallery is still on display although the related adverts said its display had finished. It’s quite a large painting and you need to get close to see the detail in the dark bits. I looked closely into his face to see if any signs of his character could be found. He’s an inventor and an entrepreneur born 280 years ago. Maybe his wig and dress were too remote from today as I didn’t see anything that said he was such a person.
There are some large photographs of Preston taken around 1850. Around Avenham Park looking across the Tram Road. The locals thought the trams were noisy. Another room has watercolours of the area around Preston by an artist called Beattie. These are interesting and show some of the old pubs and churches as they were. The main display at the moment is one of fairytale art and for some reason it didn’t do much for me although we were running out of time.
I think my favourite painting is one of Preston in the 1950’s overlooking the rail tracks looking towards the centre. Pauline in the Yellow Dress has been moved a bit. That day for some reason I decided her undone dress was a bit unkempt when previously I’d thought the actual dress looked a bit prim all buttoned up.
The exhibition of the history of Preston has good content but it isn’t displayed very well. It seems a bit tired and old fashioned. Yet there is some good stuff going back to ancient hunters to a large model of Horrocks mill.
It is a fine place the Harris. The staff are always friendly and helpful but sometimes I think a guided talk would be good.