A WILD time at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery

WILD would like to thank Daisy from Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, who recently visited our WILD groups in Falmouth and Truro.

Daisy brought a selection of items from various exhibits within the museum for our children to handle, explore, and play with. These items included different musical instruments, Victorian hair curlers, and other fascinating objects. The adults in the group were just as interested, and the shared experience of exploring these items together created a wonderful opportunity for our families to bond.

Daisy also brought a large piece of fabric, which she laid out on the floor along with paint and mark-making tools. The mothers and their children decorated the fabric as they wished, painting side by side. This shared activity allowed them to create a unique piece of art together.

Their artwork featured in a patchwork of contributions from various groups across Cornwall, and when it was displayed in the Truro museum, we took our WILD families to visit. Having their creations featured in this collaborative installation created a sense of community and achievement; our parents and children were rightly proud of their work!

Many of our parents tell us they do not feel comfortable visiting museums and similar places, so WILD and its partners are working hard to give young parents and their babies the confidence and opportunity to make cultural spaces a part of their everyday lives.

The chance to explore objects from the museum in a familiar environment (the WILD group) was a crucial first step in making the museum more accessible for WILD families. And, if children are exposed to cultural and historical artefacts from a young age, these experiences will become normalised, increasing the likelihood of them engaging with cultural spaces throughout their lives.

Building a relationship with Daisy before visiting the museum also helped make the space feel less daunting and more inviting for our families. Daisy was very friendly and encouraging, especially towards young children. She reassured the mothers who expressed concerns about their children making noise, making them feel welcome and less anxious.

Play, noise, and interaction were highly encouraged, and our children enjoyed running around the museum, playing in the newly renovated playroom, dressing up in capes, and exploring the toys available.