Visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, painted by Barrie Thompson as part of his memories of the Maison Dieu
Dover Museum, Monday 8 May 2023, 10am to 1pm
Drop into Dover Museum this Bank Holiday Monday (8 May) to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and join in the 'Big Help Out' by volunteering to help reawaken Dover’s Grade I Listed Maison Dieu.
The Big Help Out is a national opportunity to get more people involved with volunteering as part of the Coronation celebrations. With the £10.5m Lottery-funded restoration of the Maison Dieu now well underway, we’re looking for local people to volunteer for a unique oral history project.
Pavement Pounders, a spoken memory arts group will be joining us at Dover Museum to record people’s memories of the Maison Dieu, Royal memories of Dover along with words of advice for our new king! We’re also keen to meet anyone who might like to become a Maison Dieu oral history volunteer this autumn, recording people’s memories of this historic building. Free training will be given.
With the Maison Dieu enjoying Royal patronage since the reign of King Henry III, visitors can view Dover Museum’s special Coronation exhibition featuring historic photographs of Dover from Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, along with Coronation memorabila. There will also be craft activities for children and adults, inspired by the Maison Dieu’s fine collection of Royal portraits.
Visitors can also find out the latest news on the 'Re-awakening the Maison Dieu' project, including images of recent building work taken by our young photographers, research and conservation updates, along with displays of recently discovered Maison Dieu archaeological finds and a display of paintings by local artist Barrie Thompson based on his Maison Dieu memories. His first memory of the Maison Dieu is from 1944 when he scaled the wall of the church opposite, and hung onto a lamppost, to witness the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth!
Enjoy a drink, a piece of cake and a chat with staff and volunteers. Find out about forthcoming activities and how you can take part as a visitor or volunteer.
The event is free and suitable for adults and children. Drop-in anytime between 10am and 1pm. No advance booking necessary. Dover Museum is an accessible venue.
Posted on 03 May 2023