NEWS RELEASES
Bling Bling! Sparkling!
1st December 2004
'Bling Bling' that popular expression for over indulgence in all that is glittery, sparkly and showy is not a new craze, as 'All that Glitters', the Museum's latest temporary exhibition bringing 'Bling Bling' to Horsham Museum shows. This Christmas exhibition puts the 'fab' back into fabulous and the 'spark' back into sparkling, as a cornucopia of ostentatious, some would say over the top, examples of how 'glitter' has been used goes on show. Shoes and shoe buckles, jewellery, dresses, manuscripts, book covers, glasses, china and much more besides. Drawing items from across the collections, from glittering rock crystals to sequinned garments that dazzle the eye, this Christmas exhibition is full of visual fun and sparkle.
For centuries, as the exhibits show, we have been attracted to light dancing objects. What was and still is the appeal? Does it go back to our origins when the light reflecting off pools of water in dappled forest glades attracted our attention as a source of sustenance? For some items the reason is more prosaic such as medieval manuscripts where illumination, the use of gold and silver, was used to light up the Word of God. Only later, as people became wealthy, did other non religious books attract gold and silver lettering.
Gold has always appealed not just for its value but also because it does not tarnish, just as gemstones will always sparkle in the light. But man's ingenuity knows no bounds when we want things to sparkle! In the 18th century dull steel was cut so that it sparkled, glass was treated so that it was iridescent giving it the name Vaseline Ware, small discs were cut in such a way to create mini rainbows and dresses were covered with it to create a shimmering watery look.
All That Glitters, a 'pantomime dame' of an exhibition, over the top and fun, the perfect Christmas present from Horsham Museum to our visitors, will be opened on Tuesday 7th December by the stars of The Capitol Theatre's Christmas pantomime 'Cinderella', Katy Edwards (Cinderella) and Andrew Derbyshire (Prince Charming) at 10.00am.
(Editors please note: Katy and Andrew will be in the Museum for 20 minutes only)
For further information please contact:
Jeremy Knight, Curator
Horsham Museum9 Causeway
Horsham
West Sussex
RH12 1HE
Tel: (01403) 254959
Fax: (01403) 217581
Email: museum@horsham.gov.uk
Opening times:
Mon to Sat (ex. bank hols) 10.00am -5.00pm
Admission free