Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Ipswich Museum? Hear from a selection of people who work there to find out more about what they do and who they are.
Tea Talks are a series of public discussions between artist Robert Pacitti and different members of the Ipswich Museum team, over afternoon tea. That’s right tea and talking (we manage that kind of multi tasking). For those interested in a career in museology, heritage etc this is for you! By exploring topics such as conservation, what drives Museum staff, their favourite Museum items, or the role of history in contemporary life, the Tea Talks will bring life at the Museum out into the community in new ways and encourage new conversations around the Ipswich collection.

Each talk is a fiver (don’t forget you also get a cuppa for that) and will be held in the Think Tank building (located between Ipswich Museum and Ipswich Art School Gallery). To book your place please call the lovely people at The New Wolsey Theatre on 01473 295900.

See below for more information on each of the talks:

Wed 4 May: 3pm – 4.30pm TEA TALK 1: UNDER THE SKIN With conservation staff exploring:
- How conservation is assessed across the collection
- Techniques of conservation

Wed 11 May: 3pm – 4.30pm TEA TALK 2: MUSEUMS OF TOMORROW With management staff asking:
- What will museums of tomorrow look like?
- What role might they play in our civic and educational life?
- What’s at stake now when planning for the future?

Wed 18 May: 3pm – 4.30pm TEA TALK 3: SERVING AND LEARNING FROM THE PUBLIC With visitor services staff discussing:
- What are Museum specific dimensions of serving the public?
- How do visitors respond to the collection and what does that mean for the Museum?
- Why can’t visitors touch stuff?

Image: A fragment of Anglo-Saxon bone comb, excavated by Nina Layard in the Buttermarket, Ipswich. Ipswich Borough Council Collections