14 | 06 | 19
‘Flying the Flag' for Human Rights
plus half-price entry | Mon 24 to Fri 28 June
Artist Lucy Birbeck creating her ‘Flying Colours' flags for the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno
From 24th June and throughout the summer, the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno will be flying three specially commissioned silk flags by Botallack artist Lucy Birbeck, as part of the national ‘Fly the Flag' campaign marking the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Lucy Birbeck's flags will be just a few among thousands of others being flown across the UK, including one designed by artist Ai Weiwei, in galleries, theatres, schools, libraries and government buildings, as arts organisations, charities and ordinary people come together to celebrate this universally important event.
Lucy has previously been commissioned to create flags for The Eden Project, Greenpeace, Glastonbury Festival and numerous other organisations. Titled ‘Flying Colours', the installation at Porthcurno will be situated in the Museum gardens, and will be accompanied by a display of knitted bunting flags that celebrate diversity, created by the Museum's Cable Stitchers Volunteers team. Throughout the week, visitors will be invited to contribute to the national ‘Fly The Flag' project by designing their very own paper flag for Human Rights, and Lucy Birbeck will be delivering a closed flag making workshop with children from St Buryan Academy Primary School.
Museum Director Julia Twomlow says: "With Porthcurno's history at the heart of global communications and connections, it feels right to be part of this national celebration of Human Rights. We are very excited to have Lucy Birbeck's flags flying in the valley this summer - they will look amazing!"
To mark the event, Museum entry will be half-price from Monday 24 to Friday 28 June*.
For further information see flytheflag.org.uk, #FlyTheFlag70, and telegraphmuseum.org.Telegraph Museum Porthcurno, Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX01736 810966 | info@telegraphmuseum.org | www.telegraphmuseum.org
*Terms and conditions apply.
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Print Ready 300dpi images for press use:
Lucy Birbeck at her Botallack studio
For further press information and additional high-resolution images contact Mercedes Smith
director@culturenotes.co.uk| Tel 07825 270235 |www.culturenotes.co.uk
Editors Notes
Telegraph Museum Porthcurno
The tiny Cornish village of Porthcurno was once the heart of international telecommunications, boasting the largest telegraph station in the world. Today, the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno is a vibrant and captivating heritage attraction. Discover our World War II tunnels, which were the secret hub of Britain's wartime communications; visit the Cable Hut where the UK's network of underwater telecommunication cables came ashore; explore exhibitions and interactive displays telling the amazing story of global telecommunications. from the first practical use of electricity to how we communicate today using fibre optic cables that still run beneath the world's seas and oceans.
A Unique History
The Telegraph Museum is unique amongst Cornwall's heritage attractions and illustrates the crucial role Porthcurno and its residents played in the development of modern communications. In particular it tells the story of the people who came to train at the telegraph station, the friendships and romances they formed, the extraordinary lives they led as Cable & Wireless employees in far flung locations across the British Empire, and the vital role they played in defining the Allies' strategy during World War II.
For Families
Designed for all ages, this family-friendly interactive museum showcases the science, the people, and the amazing stories that made developments in global communications possible, and demonstrates how advances in digital communications are changing the world forever. Immerse your family in Porthcurno's lasting legacy and spend the day exploring science, technology, history and the world around us. With secret tunnels, trails, codes to crack, interactive technology, hands-on experiments and creative seasonal events, families can take advantage a wealth of inspiring activities throughout the year, as well as enjoying our onsite café, and browsing our museum shop.
For Schools
Our varied programme of school workshops combines engaging hands-on activities with time to explore the Museum. Our experienced learning team will work with you to plan your visit, tailoring workshops to meet your groups' needs or specific learning outcomes. Activities are hosted at our onsite Clore Learning Space - an accessible and flexible space designed for both formal and informal learning.
For Students and Researchers
Available by arrangement to school students, undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers, the Telegraph Museum Porthcurno houses the business archive of Cable & Wireless, an enviable collection that includes thousands of unique records from Porthcurno's lasting communication legacy, including an estimated 10,000 photographs from the 1850's to the present day. Following the closure of the original telegraph station and training school, many historically significant objects were kept and now form the basis of the Museum's unique collection, which has designated status in recognition of its national and international significance.
Additional Information
Telegraph Museum Porthcurno is owned by the PK Trust which is a registered educational charity no. 1062233.
Telegraph Museum Porthcurno, Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX | 01736 810966
info@telegraphmuseum.org| www.telegraphmuseum.org
director@culturenotes.co.uk| Tel 0782