Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

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WHAT'S ON

Exhibitions

 

Exhibition: “Tattoos of the Tees Valley”

17th July – 4th October 2009

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum

When Captain Cook and his crew aboard HM Bark Endeavour first sailed to Tahiti in 1769, they discovered a sophisticated people with ornate skin decorations they called ‘tataow’.  Some of the crew had tattoos as souvenirs of their visit, including Darlington-born Robert Stainsby, who was one of the first British sailors recorded as having these markings.

From that time the art of tattoo has proliferated around the globe, shipped from port to port by seafarers.

The legacy of Cook and Robert Stainsby can now be glimpsed in Tattoos of the Tees Valley, a portrait exhibition created for The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum by Lucy Carolan, Richard Glynn and Sophie Ingleby.

In the course of their individual explorations, the photographers have discovered a thriving regional tattoo scene, with people wearing a variety of decorations ranging from bespoke designs through to traditional ‘flash’ art and historical Polynesian markings. Their portraits, and the stories behind each individual’s tattoos, offer an insight into the range of tattoos and their meanings.

The meanings tattoos embody are as varied as the individuals who wear them, from marking significant moments in life to the simple love of a design.

Tattoos of the Tees Valley presents a vivid portrait of the region’s contemporary tattoo culture.

Events

Summer Holiday Events 2009

Wednesday 22nd July - Sunday 30th August

Museum Mega Trail                           10p a go.  Prize every time

Museum opening times

Complete the challenges as you follow the trail both inside and outside the museum. There are codes to crack, riddles to solve and mysteries to uncover. Complete the challenge and your small prize awaits you at the front desk.

Thursday 23rd July

1pm-3pm        Polynesian Pennants                  Free Drop-in Event

Decorate your own pennant with Polynesian tattoo designs. Plenty of vibrant colours and a great result every time!

Tuesday 28th July

1pm-3pm        Tattooed Tahitians                 Free Drop-in Event

Clay making workshop, designing your own tattooed Tahitian face to take home.

Thursday 30th July

1pm-3pm        Tiled Tattoos                           Free Drop-in Event 

Etch out a tattoo pattern and create your own bright and eye-catching masterpiece.

Tuesday 4th August

1pm-3pm        Foiled Again                            Free Drop-in Event

Come and try your hand at scraping a tattooed pattern into our multicoloured foil to decorate your room.


              

Thursday 6th August

1pm-3pm        Warps and Wefts                    Free Drop-in Event

An afternoon of fun with opportunities to try out the traditional Polynesian craft of weaving. Simple resources supplied, great results every time!

Tuesday 11th August

1pm-3pm        Maori Moko                                Free Drop-in Event

Have your face tattooed by the museum’s education team, and then decorate your own mirror so you can see how you look with a tattooed face!

Thursday 13th August

12noon-3pm    Pirate Family Fun                   Free Drop-in Event

An afternoon of crafty fun for the whole family. Create your own pirate attire from hats to cutlasses and bandannas, and much more! Face painting, and plenty of colouring, cutting and gluing. Come dressed for the occasion.

Tuesday 18th August

1pm-3pm        Glass painting           Free Drop-in Event

Create your own brightly coloured Polynesian style window sticker using the glass points provided. Bring with you plenty of patience and a steady hand!   

Thursday 20th August

1pm-3pm        Hawaiian Family Fun           Free Drop-in Event

Have you ever wanted to dance the Hula or design your own surfboard? Well here’s your chance. There are opportunities to develop your own surfboard design, or create your own Hawaiian outfit!

Tuesday 25th August

1pm-3pm        Australian Family Fun         Free Drop-in Event

An afternoon of Aussie fun! Create your own piece of aboriginal artwork, didgeridoos, boomerangs, bullroarers and more!


Thursday 27th August

1pm-3pm           Maritime Archaeology Day    Free Drop-in Event

An afternoon of educational fun for older children. Quizzes and games with Tees Archaeology’s maritime expert. Guess the object competition, learn more about why ship’s biscuits were so disgusting and much more!

Any donations towards the costs of these events will be greatly appreciated.  We regret that we do not have the capacity to accommodate any childminding groups or organised groups.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.  Summer opening 10am-5:30pm every day except Mondays and certain Bank Holidays.

For further information about the museum including our summer holiday events, please contact the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum on 01642 311211

 

OPENING TIMES

March – October
Tues-Sun 10am-5.30pm

November – February
Tues-Sun 9am-4pm

(last admission to main displays 45 minutes before closing)

Closed:
Mondays,
24-26 December, 1 January
and first full week of January for annual maintenance.

 



CONTACT DETAILS
All enquiries to Phil_Philo@middlesbrough.gov.uk
or write to:

Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
Stewart Park
Marton
Middlesbrough
TS7 6AS

Tel

01642 311211

Fax 01642 317419

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