Author: The Museum of Oxford

This year the Museum of Oxford celebrates its 40 years in the town hall.

To mark this exciting period we are launching a 40:40 project - forty things for forty years. We want the people of Oxford and all partners and businesses to help us find 40 things that you think are exclusively Oxford. Anything that inspires, fascinates, provokes or intrigues you about Oxford. It could be pictures, objects, stories, places, interesting facts, films almost anything goes!

40:40 - forty objects for forty years is supported by The Arts Council England and is our look into the past present and future of the Oxford and its culture and arts heritage. We will use this opportunity to consider new commissions and plans for the long term development of the museum.

Did you know that Cape’s Cash Drapery stood at No. 26 St Ebbe’s during 1870. ‘Try Cape’s’ was often heard in Oxford, as the store was well-known for selling almost everything you might need. It was eventually demolished in 1971 except for one of its mahogany counters, a bentwood chair, and a cabinet with brass-handled drawers, which were given to the Museum of Oxford. This exceptional and only example of Cape’s store furniture has been preserved for Oxford and for future generations.

Our long term development plans include opening up the rest of the museum and finding new ways to showcase our rich heritage and pride in Oxford that is uniquely Oxford.

We want you to join us on this journey of discovery for the Museum of Oxford. We will be working with a number of arts and business partners to help us promote and display the work, hosting a whole series of events, talks, exhibitions, happenings and even prizes to get as many people involved in 40:40 as possible.

Already commissioned include Paul Lyalls, poet in residence for the Roald Dahl Museum 2014 and star of BBC’s Big Slam Poetry House. Our other commissioned partners are Oxford Visual Arts Development Agency (OVADA), Oxford Contemporary Music (OCM) and Oxford Playhouse.

So how can you get involved in 40:40?
ï· The first 40 people to sign up to our mailing list and suggest some ideas for our celebration will receive some museum goodies
ï· Register to volunteer or help spread the word
ï· Run a fundraising event for us, in the community or at work? – we can help with ideas and preparation.

These are just a few ways but let us know if you would like to do something different. And don’t forget to pick up your 40:40 stickers from selected partners.

Author: The Museum of Oxford