Category Archives: June 8

Natural History Museum : The Definition of a Place

Posted on by
Reply

This morning in class, we study the concept of  “Place” ,  and how this is defined and/or constructed by different  entities.  While visiting the Natural History Museum of Ireland, I couldn’t help to think about what we learned in class. This made my experience even more significant.  In his texted, Cresswell mentioned a scholar (lukermann) who believed that place was integration of nature and culture at an specific location (Cresswell,33). The Natural history museum  happens to be exactly that. We had the opportunity to contemplate a very large zoological collection, and to learned a little more the habitat of these species as well as their role , and interaction  with humans among the years. The Natural History Museum lives up to the definition that Cresswell provides in his text, for it is a place that reflects the understanding of the world in the eyes of humanity. The clearest example of this is the exhibition of the Great Irish dear , which is appears in the photograph below.

The Great Irish Dear  is an animal that lived around 12, 000 years ago, during the last years of Ice Age. Thanks to what society has accomplished, scientist have been able to draw conclusions based on the general understanding of the world to explain this animal’s diet, behavior,habitat , origin, interactions with other species, as well as possible causes of extinction. In addition, this piece in the Natural History Museum served to prove that time can become space, and space a place. When observing this piece many images came into my mind. For a moment I could see this beautiful creature wondering around the ice sheets.  In that sense I was able to identify with the phenomenology approach : I was able to create a place beyond my physical location.

Museums, torts, and books in Dublin (and lots and lots of rain)

Posted on by
Reply

After spending the morning discussing Place by Tim Creswell, I was glad to venture into Dublin to see the sights. At the National Museum of Archaeology, I enjoyed the Clontarf 1014: Brian Boru and the Battle for Dublin exhibit. The replica of Gokstad Faering, the shrine of the ‘Stowe Missal,’ which held an eighth-century prayer book, and the well-preserved clothing of the era were among the most interesting pieces in the exhibit.

In the museum bookstore, I looked through a few books about Vikings. A man asked me if I liked books and upon hearing my accent, which is always to me a non-accent, asked me why I was in Dublin. I explained to him that I’m a PhD student studying Transatlantic Modernism. He told me to avoid analyzing literature too much because analysis kills enjoyment. He proceeded to ask me what I meant by “modernism,” and I explained to him the time period covered by this nomenclature, which resulted in him scoffing and lecturing me. When I explained to him that literary modernism is merely a category to help us sort the literature, he was enraged. I told him to have a nice day and went off in search of friendlier faces. My conversation with him was a good reminder to be knowledgeable about your field and not take offense when people are critical.

The Museum of Natural History was interesting but much smaller than I expected. The moth exhibit in particular was fascinating. The names reminded me of would-be Victorian novels. I took pictures of the names and would love to use one as the title for a short story – The Early Thorn has a nice ring to it.

After the Museum of Natural History, our group ate at Foley’s, picked up torts from Carluccio’s, and visited Hodges and Figgis bookstore. An author was there with her book about gardening, and a representative from the bookstore was giving a talk about it. People were gathered with wine and copies they wanted signed. As the man talked about the book, he mentioned the importance of gardens, the social spaces they are and can be, and that people come from around the world to visit Irish gardens. It reminded me of the previous day’s garden detour. In class this morning, we talked about much of what he mentioned as he introduced the book, so it was an unexpectedly poignant way to end the day. Only it didn’t end there — we were caught in some sort of monsoon that left us all drenched and cowered together, somehow better (and wetter) for the experience.

Posted on by
Reply

I wish I could remember which student said this, but I heard today that the Irish find it humorous how excited Americans get when they see sheep. Today, I was one of those Americas—(points for me for filling yet another American stereotype while abroad!).

Upon first walking into the Archeology Museum, I did not think I would enjoy it. The amazing aspects of the taxidermy animals made me uneasy. However, the more I interacted with the pieces, I began to appreciate the work done to preserve and showcase the beautiful creatures. Most of these animals we have encountered, whether that be through the internet, a zoo or the wild. Something is different when they are no longer living, however. For me, the preserved bodies provide a sense of the past, whether that be immediate or distant. These creatures existed at one point or another, and while most were not native to Dublin, their (as does all existences) left an impression upon the places they inhabited.
Afterwards, we found ourselves in an ornate, corky pub with neon chairs and rainbow wallpaper that somehow managed to not be overdone. While in the pub, interacting with the classmates that we are all still coming to know, I realized how we were establishing “places” within Dublin, even though we are foreigners. Immediately, we all took out our phones and cameras to take pictures in this abstract setting to preserve it in our memories—to make the place continuously tangible for us after we leave Dublin.

Museum Day (with a chance of downpour)

Posted on by
Reply

Today was an absolute blast for me because I absolutely love museums. No matter where I go I try and go into at least two, so I’ve accomplished that for this trip! The National Archaeology Museum and the National History Museum were both smaller than I’m used to but that made no difference on the quality of material. At the Archaeology Museum, I was particularly fascinated with the perfectly preserved seals and stamps – I have become increasingly interested in wax seals and it was a treat to see some fully intact. Also of note would have to be the beautiful pottery pieces and some of the clothing we looked at. In reference to the bog bodies – I wish I would have seen them in person! The preservation is absolutely incredible, especially the bright red hair! Seeing it in person might have creeped me out a bit, but it would have absolutely been worth it; I might swing back during our free day.

The National History Museum was small and quaint, but wonderful! I loved the Victorian feel (of course) and Shana, Nicole, and I particularly enjoyed the inventive names of the moths in that section of the museum. Especially after today’s class, I found myself thinking about the animals’ places and where they came from, what their life might have been like, since they were from all over the world. I thought the same thing at the National Archaeology Museum – what history do these pieces on exhibition have? We know what the jewelry is made out of – who were they on? What is their story? What were their “places” and “spaces”? I wish we could know – I’d never get out of a museum if we had all that information to learn.

Afterwards, the dinner at Foyle’s and some shopping was fabulous… until the absolute downpour! (Shana, thank you for saving my delicious tart!) We certainly had a typical Irish experience with that rain!