Chesterfield Menagerie Exhibition Celebrates Our Relationship with Animals – Destination Chesterfield

By Josh Marsh – September 5, 2024

A new museum exhibition in Chesterfield will explore the extraordinary relationship between humans and animals.

The Chesterfield Menagerie features a wide range of objects from the Chesterfield Museum collection that illustrate the relationship between man and animals. It includes a beautiful salt glazed Brampton fish bottle, ‘The Plough’ – a stunning painting by Joseph Syddall, a magnificent chicken figurine by William Gordon and much more.

There are lots of fun and interactive activities for all family members to enjoy, including grab-and-go toys, touch-and-smell boxes, an animal sound board, a magnetic matching board and animal-themed crafts.

The exhibition will be in the Grade 2 listed Assembly Rooms above the Market Hall from Friday 13 September to Tuesday 12 October and will be open from 10am to 2.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. Admission is free.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and tourism, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our residents and visitors to learn more about the history of our borough and see the amazing things that have been created right here. We want lots of people to come and support this exhibition and we’ve made sure there’s something for everyone.”

Additionally, a number of free special events will be held as part of the exhibition.

Chester the Field Mouse will visit the exhibition, meet fans and pose for photos on Saturday 14th September from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m.

On Saturday, September 21, Kakou will host a workshop where visitors can create their own art robot. This simple robot will wobble on paper and create a unique drawing. Sessions are held at 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00.

As autumn approaches, visitors will be able to learn more about birds and bees, including how to identify bees, how birds build nests, and the opportunity to build their own bird feeder to take home and hang in the garden. Visitors can take part in this activity on Saturday, September 28 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The exhibition is held in the city centre, making it easily accessible by public transport, and the venue also includes a lift to ensure access for people with different abilities. Further work is underway to provide exhibition materials in a variety of formats.

The Chesterfield Menagerie exhibition is part of a programme of events and exhibitions funded by Arts Council England.

The aim of the project is to ensure that whilst the Chesterfield Museum and Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment, residents and visitors can continue to connect with the history and culture of our borough.

Over the next year the programme will include a series of museum exhibitions at venues across the borough and a range of theatre productions at the Winding Wheel Theatre. To find out more about the programme visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/museum/arts-council-england-programme