London Outings – Museum of Curiosities Series & more…
### Discovering Magic in Curiosity: Inspired by The Viktor Wynd Museum in London
Have you ever stepped into a place that felt like a portal to another world? That’s exactly how I felt when I visited
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History .
Nestled away from the bustling streets, this quirky museum is home to a treasure trove of oddities and wonders that sparked my imagination in the most delightful way.
As I entered the museum, I was immediately enveloped by an aura of mystery and enchantment. The first thing that caught my eye was the “Kunstkammer,” a collection of cabinets overflowing with strange and fascinating objects. Each cabinet was a tiny universe of its own, showcasing everything from taxidermy animals to ancient artifacts, and even some delightfully bizarre curiosities that made me question the limits of reality. It was fascinating to think of the stories behind these objects—who collected them, for what purpose, and how they ended up here.
But the real adventure began when I descended the winding, steep spiral staircase leading to the underground cellar. i don’t know how I managed to get down there but with each step, the dim light flickered, and the air grew cooler. It was a bit creepy, I must admit. But there was an undeniable magic in the air, it felt as though I was uncovering secrets from a forgotten era. At the bottom of the staircase, I was greeted by extraordinary dioramas that brought to life different scenes—some whimsical, others eerie, but all captivating.
In this enchanting space, the line between art and nature blurred as I marveled at the intricate details of each display.
Each scene told a story, and I found myself lost in a world where imagination reigns supreme.
Inspired by these mesmerizing artworks, I realized that curiosity is the driving force behind creativity. The museum reminded me that there’s a whole universe of wonder waiting to be discovered, whether through art, nature, or the many curious objects that shape our history.
As I left The Viktor Wynd Museum, I carried with me a spark of inspiration—an urge to explore the unknown, to embrace the bizarre, and to create something magical in my own way. If you ever find yourself in the area, I highly recommend a visit. Who knows what curiosities you might uncover? The world is full of magic, and sometimes, all it takes is a little curiosity to set it free.
Some of my own artworks I have created since visiting the museum in 2018
Each piece has been created with found papers and packaging collected from the streets in London & suburbs with a mix of vintage papers. Hand sewn with threads. Artwork created using many methods, staining, painting, sewing, pin – pricks, tearing , gluing and drawing. Many have been sold but I still have quite a few available here
Mudlarking along the Thames in London
When I was in London, I also managed a very brief bit of mudlarking on the Thames river and found a handful of bits & pieces. A handmade nail used to secure sails to the masts of sailing ships and a few shards of pottery and I think part of a Tudor terracotta tile. Each find tells a story of London’s rich history!
**History and exploring mudlarking in London**
Mudlarking is the exciting hobby of searching the River Thames foreshore for historical artifacts during low tide. Originally, in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a way for poor Londoners to scavenge for items to sell.
**Historic Roots:** In the past, mudlarking helped struggling Londoners find valuable scraps for survival. Today, enthusiasts engage in this activity to uncover lost treasures and appreciate London’s history.
The unique mud and clay of the Thames preserve objects, making it a prime spot for discoveries. To get started you need a license from the Port of London Authority to mudlark and any items older than 300 years must be reported to the London Museum Finds Liaison Officer.
Annie Albers
Last time I was in London I also visited the The Anni Albers (1899-1994) textile exhibition at Tate Modern. It was excellent. She was student of the Bauhaus art school and like other women at that time , was discouraged from becoming a painter. Instead, she enrolled in the weaving shop and made textiles her means of expression. Albers rose to become an influential figure, exploring the technical limits of hand-weaving to pioneer innovative uses of woven fabric as art, architecture and design.
Updates in the studio this week
As I approach the final stages of my current textile piece, I find myself reflecting on the journey of creation and the decisions that lie ahead. With plans to create more artworks along this line after Easter, I'm excited about the new possibilities. I've ordered the backing and framing for this piece, yet I'm grappling with a crucial question: should this piece and the future pieces in this series be framed or simply allowed to hang free? Framing can sometimes constrain the artwork, enclosing it within borders that feel limiting, while hanging allows for a sense of flow and freedom that can elevate the work and viewer's experience. This tension between structure and liberation is something I’m keen to explore further, as I think about the best way to show them.
Happy Easter everyone…
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