Introduction to the Exhibition
The Preston Park Museum in Stockton is launching a series of exhibitions called "Tracks of Change" to mark 200 years of the Stockton and Darlington Railway Line (S&DR). The four free exhibitions, which include two installations, will be open from September to January. Niccy Hallifax, director of the S&DR200 Festival, hopes that the events will inspire people and showcase the museum’s new exhibition space.
Museum Upgrades
The Preston Park Museum has undergone a £20 million upgrade, which includes a two-story expansion, a new café, and a parking area. Additionally, there are plans for a mural to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the railways. The museum’s renovation also includes the restoration of the park’s viability and the creation of a new exhibition space.
What to Expect from the Exhibitions
The "Tracks of Change" series consists of four exhibitions: All on Board, Corridors, Gateway to the World, and Perfume. The first three exhibitions will open in September, while Perfume will start in January. Corridors is an installation by Rebecca Louise Law, featuring thousands of preserved flowers hanging from the ceiling. Many of these flowers were grown in the museum’s walled garden and are inspired by the original route of the Stockton and Darlington Line.
Exhibition Highlights
All on Board is an interactive exhibition designed for children, featuring a huge replica train and themed zones. Gateway to the World showcases a collection of nationally important paintings highlighting the significant role of the railway in creating tourism. Perfume, an installation by Yann Nguema, is inspired by the distribution of seeds and pollination as trains travel through the landscape. Additionally, thousands of peg dolls created by community groups, school pupils, and nursing home residents in Tees Valley and County Durham will be exhibited, representing their favorite train journeys.
Community Participation
The peg dolls are part of a mass participation project called Memory of a Journey, which encouraged people to create dolls representing their favorite train trips. The designs will be on display from September 13th to October 12th. This project is a unique way for the community to be involved in the celebrations and share their personal connections to the railway. The exhibitions offer a range of interactive and immersive experiences, making them an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
