PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
We are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Plymouth Mechanics’ Institute at the end of May and beginning of June with a series of events, activities and exhibitions related to the past, present and future of mechanics, engineering and technology.
The Plymouth Mechanics’ Institute was founded on 30 May 1825 and merged with the Plymouth Athenaeum in 1899.
Over a two-week period from Tuesday, 20 May we are running exhibitions and displays, talks and lectures, mechanics workshops for young people, and performances.
TUESDAY, 20 MAY: ART AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITIONS
Throughout the celebrations the Art and Photographic groups will be exhibiting work inspired by the theme of mechanics, engineering and technology.
The work will be on display whenever an activity is taking place during the celebrations, so please come along and see the groups’ work.
THURSDAY, 22 MAY: RISE OF THE MECHANICS: A REVOLUTION IN ADULT EDUCATION
Explore the rise of the Mechanics’ Institutes and the crucial formative role they played in the development of adult education in the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century in this lecture on Thursday, 22 May (7.30pm).
From Edinburgh to Glasgow, Liverpool and London, Ipswich, Manchester, Plymouth and beyond, the mechanics’ institutes spread adult education beyond the gentry and middle classes for the first time to the skilled and working-class populations of the British Isles and beyond.
Their influence is still felt today in the surviving institutes and societies and the colleges, schools of art and universities which emerged from within the mechanics’ institutes.
This is the story of the rise and legacy of the mechanics’ institutes.
The talk will be given by Owen Ryles MBA, Chief Executive of the Plymouth Athenaeum. Owen is a Fellow of The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, the Linnean Society and the Zoological Society.
SATURDAY, 24 MAY: MECHANICS WORKSHOP
Fun, play and creativity is on offer in this neurodivergent-friendly workshop for young people aged 8 years and above. Create a moving vehicle and enter it in the competition.
Organised by our partners, Creative Curiosities SW, this workshop will take place from 10am-12.00pm on Saturday, 24 May in the Flat at the Athenaeum.To book a place for a young person go to https://bit.ly/CreativeCuriositiesSW or to find out more details contact hello@creativecuriosities.org.uk or visit www.creativecuriosities.co.uk
TUESDAY, 27 MAY: WORKING MODEL ENGINES AND MODELS DISPLAY
From 27- 30 May we will be displaying our Plymouth & District Society of Model and Experimental Engineers collection of models and engines during the celebrations.
The collection, which includes hand-made ships and working model engines, will be on view at the following times: Tuesday, 27 May (10am-12noon), Wednesday, 28 May (10am-3pm), Thursday, 29 May (10-12noon and 6.30-7.30pm) and Friday, 30 May (1.00-4.00pm).
TUESDAY, 27 MAY: SATELLITES & WHAT THEY CAN SEE FROM SPACE
Discover more about satellites and what they can see from space in this lunchtime talk on Tuesday, 27 May (12.30pm).
We’ll have a look at how satellites are launched; the development of the field of remote sensing and observing the Earth together; what satellites can, and can’t, see; and finishing with a look at Plymouth and the surrounding area from space.
This will be a talk given by Andrew Lavender, from local firm Pixalytics Ltd, and will offer a fun and interactive insight into the field of Earth Observation and the space sector.
WEDNESDAY, 28 MAY: MECHANICS WORKSHOPS
Fun, play and creativity is on offer in these neurodivergent-friendly workshops for young people aged 8 years and above. Create a moving vehicle and enter it in the competition.
Organised by our partners, Creative Curiosities SW, the primary school age workshop will take place from 10am-12.00pm. The secondary school age workshop will take place from 1.00-3.00pm. These workshops will take place in the Lecture Room at the Athenaeum.
To book a place for a young person go to https://bit.ly/CreativeCuriositiesSW or to find out more details contact hello@creativecuriosities.org.uk or visit www.creativecuriosities.co.uk
THURSDAY, 29 MAY: THE PUZZLE OF PROGRESS: WHY MODERN TECH SEEMS HARDER TO GRASP
Discover more about the evolution of everyday technology from simple tools to complex systems as Dr Antony Robotham helps untangle the complexity and considers why the technology we all use feels more complicated in this lecture on Thursday, 29 May (7.30pm).
The Puzzle of Progress will highlight the practical technology all around us. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Robotham designed an environmentally friendly face shield, manufactured from recycled materials that were compostable or recyclable at the end of its useful life.
Antony is Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering in the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (Faculty of Science and Engineering) at the University of Plymouth. He has taught Engineering Design at all levels and his roles have included Associate Head (Teaching & Learning) and Deputy Head of School in the former School of Engineering.
Latterly, he has been Project Lead for the University’s new Babbage facilities, overseeing the development of the specialist laboratories and managing an £11m budget for the procurement of new equipment on behalf of the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.
FRIDAY, 30 MAY: THE LIFE OF JONATHAN NASH HEARDER
The Curious Stagecraft Company will be performing a preview of their forthcoming production exploring the life of Jonathan Nash Hearder on Friday, 30 May at 2pm in the Lecture Room at the Athenaeum.
Expect a quirky, original piece incorporating songs and movement created by the Company of neurodivergent performers. The performance is inspired by their research into the life and achievements of Jonathan Nash Hearder.
Electrical engineer Hearder – a leading figure in the Mechanics’ Institute and a Vice President of the Plymouth Athenaeum from 1857-62 – brought science to Plymouth schools and undertook significant work on the induction coil despite having been blinded during one of his own experiments in his twenties.
This segment imagines the creative electricity of his brain, underpinned with historical narrative filmed on location in Plymouth. A fuller, finished performance will take place at the Athenaeum in December.
All members are welcome to attend and enjoy the performance and the celebrations on the day of the 200th anniversary of the foundation of Plymouth Mechanics’ Institute.
TUESDAY, 3 JUNE: NATIONAL COASTWATCH – EYES ALONG THE COAST
Join us as we find out more about the life-saving work of National Coastwatch and its mission is to help save lives at sea and around the UK coastline in this lunchtime talk on Tuesday, 3 June (12.30pm).
National Coastwatch is a charity staffed and managed by volunteers whose mission is to help save lives at sea and around the UK coastline. If you, a family member or friend uses the coastal waters or the shoreline – maybe canoeing, fishing, boating or even walking on our beautiful but sometimes treacherous coastline – we are watching and keeping you safe.
National Coastwatch is a critical part of UK Search and Rescue. It works alongside His Majesty’s Coastguard, the RNLI and the ‘blue-light’ emergency services to assist in the protection and saving of life at sea and along the coastline of England and Wales.
Andy Curtis and Ralph Whitworth from National Coastwatch will discuss the life-saving work of the organisation, including how they moved from paper charts and pencils to the technology they now use, including electronic chart plotting, AIS and radar.
ANY QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, please email us at info@plymouthathenaeum.co.uk