NOTABLE CONSULTATIONS & COLLABORATIONS IN THE WILDGOOSE MEMORIAL LIBRARY, 2003-05

NOVEMBER 2004

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In November 2004 the Keeper conducted a survey of WML Readers and Visitors, with a view to assessing whether there was support for the Library's continued work and development.

The following question:
'Based on your understanding of The Wildgoose Memorial Library, do you think that its intensive development over the next year has potential to benefit the sector(s) in which you (and/or Jane Wildgoose) work(s)?' elicited overwhelmingly positive, thoughtful - and some distinctly moving - replies.

In particular, the Sculptor and Anatomical Modeller, Eleanor Crook, captured the essence of the Collection with exceptional wit and style, in her description of the experience of attending Special Events at the WML:

Lines Composed upon the Occasion of a Gathering at the Wildgoose Memorial Library

Here Mem'ry doth its own Memoriall finde,
Remembrance of lost Time is given minde,
Here blooming Bone and ossifying Flower
Bear witness both to Death's enfeebling power;

The Sibyll, Jane, doth here work out her plan
To justify the ways of Death to man;
Books of the Dead, Poor Reliques left behinde,
Kindle the eye Modernity made blinde.

The Art of Sorrow's passing here bemoan
In respite 'twixt thy Forceps and thy Stone:
The Fates that spin Mortality intend
Death shall have his Dominion in Crouch End.
© Eleanor Crook 2004

If any of our Virtual WML Readers would like to take the opportunity to respond to the above question, please do email the Library with your thoughts about future development and potential benefits.

SEPTEMBER 2004

In the autumn of 2004 The Library was host to photographer, Gina Glover, writer, Kay Syrad and curator/visual artist Mary Hooper, who consulted with Jane Wildgoose about the contents of a suitcase thought to have been owned by a one-time resident of the recently closed All Saints Hospital in Eastbourne, E. Sussex. The suitcase was opened and its contents documented as part of Spirit of Place, a collaborative website memorial to the Hospital, its staff and residents, from 1868 - 2004.

JANUARY 2003

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Gregory Whitehead and Neil McCarthy visited the WML as part of the making of On One Lost Hair for BBC Radio 4 [broadcast 10 May 2004].

In an installation devised specially for their visit, the Library provided research into the historical background of a tiny piece of hair from the head of Horatio Nelson, purchased by Mr. Whitehead on eBay. The WML also provided examples of hair jewellery - traditionally made as love tokens, as well as emblems of mourning - and the Keeper made a replica of Nelson's decorated coffin in which to house the hair on its final, ritualised journey, which was recorded by Gregory Whitehead, Jane Wildgoose and Neil McCarthy, on the banks of the River Thames.

WNL Donors 2004-05
WNL Donors 2003-04
Link to WML Annual Review 2005-06