museumaker

Unlocking the creative potential of museum collections
A   A  Text Size | Login

Nicola Malkin is making Crafted Footnotes at The Women's Library

28 October 2010-26 March 2011

Founded in 1926, The Women’s Library contains an acclaimed collection of 60,000 books and pamphlets, 3,000 periodic titles, 450 archival collections and 5,000 objects including banners and badges that celebrate and record women’s lives

The archive is a Designated Collection of national importance, sited just off Petticoat Lane on the site of a former East End washhouse. The Library is part of London Metropolitan University, and visiting the collections is free and open to everyone. There is a lively programme of exhibitions and events in the gallery space.

Nicola Malkin has created her own versions of domestic items, ranging in scale from the gigantic to the miniature. Her historical themes, all relating to women, are also documented in the Women’s Library: strength of character, equality, dignity and sisterhood; abortion, baby-snatching, wash houses and craft. Her objects, which include a giant bar of soap, a 3D poster and a cluster of ladybirds, will form a trail of ‘hidden stories’. They will be placed around the Library, in the foyer, on bookshelves and other furniture, with archive numbers that lead to the relevant sections of the archive. Nicola’s work will complement the Library’s major exhibition exploring the role of domestic craft.

Download Case Study →

Taking part: Nicola is currently working with the library to devise a series of interactive workshops to involve the Tower Hamlet community and students from London Met with her installation. Details about how to take part will be available shortly.

Before visiting any museumaker project, please contact
the museum for visitor information and opening times.