ITP Diary 2011: Manisha Nene

The third week of the International Training Programme was full of excitement. It inculded almost all aspects of museum functioning in which I am particularly interested.

The visit to the cargo site organized by the Constantine was very interesting. In the past I have travelled as a courier for an international exhibition. However, this session introduced me to the new trends and the professional attitude that has developed in this field.

This week we also interacted with officers from the Education Department and volunteers. We visited several Hands On Desks in the museum galleries. The ideas given to make museum visits interesting and attractive have really inspired me to develop such activities in my museum.

The visits to Cambridge, Oxford and Bristol were memorable experiences. The huge vessel SS Great Britain was exciting and interesting.

The Asian Department had arranged a special visit to British Museum’s storage at the Orsman Road where there is a Textile Conservation Studio. We were able to see some of the textile pieces that were under conservation. We were explained the various methods and materials that are used in textile conservation. In this week we also visited conservation labs of metal, glass, ceramics, stone, paper and other organic objects. The setup of the Hirayama conservation lab for Japanese and Chinese art was particularly interesting.

The presentations about visitor surveys has also given me a new insight.

After this hectic schedule a ride on the London Eye worked as a stress releaser. I was stunned by the engineering skills and enjoyed the breathtaking view of the city of London.

The weekend was particularly important and special as I spent it with my sister who lives in Harrow. I am thankful to the ITP for giving me such learning experiences and sweet memories.

Manisha Nene, Senior Curator, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India), Mumbai, India