My job isn’t 9-5 and no two days are ever the same. I could be dealing with the everyday running of the museum one moment and then helping to plan a special event the next. That’s the great thing about working in a building like Towneley Hall – we have so much going on from one day to the next. In recent history Towneley Hall was used as a film location for the TV series Casanova staring David Tennant and has also hosted the Most Haunted programme. So there is plenty to keep me busy!
Most new visitors to Towneley are really surprised by what’s on offer here. People are not aware of the fascinating history of the house and the intriguing stories about the Towneley family who lived here through the centuries. Families can follow a wooden mouse trail through the house – this is a great way to get kids excited about the history of the house. Real Connoisseurs really enjoy the fine art collection we have at Towneley and those who just want open space and fresh air can let off some steam in our stunning parkland. Visitors love the fact that we have a museum within an historic building – it makes their visit much more interesting.
When you visit Towneley Hall why not take a walk in the grounds and look for the hidden ice house in woods . And look out for our famous stuffed bear ‘Bill’ who original came to Towneley Hall as a rug!
And finally, who wouldn’t want to work in an historic building surrounded by 40 acres of parkland – it really is a pleasure to work in such a fantastic setting.
Ken Dawen is the Manager at Towneley Hall, Art Gallery & Museum in Burnley
Caught a bit of this Antiques Master program. Basically it consists of a rather dreary parlour game. Whilst Towneley makes for attractive window dressing, it could be any stately home for all it matters. We don't go on a tour or find out anything of its history.
Inessential wallpaper TV
Posted by: The critic smiles | 19 July 2010 at 09:33 PM
If you visit Towneley Hall you may not see Ken, but that doesn't mean Ken won't have seen you as he keeps his beady eye on his staff. Will you know if you're on Ken-cam?
Posted by: Arethemghostsreal? | 16 July 2010 at 07:44 PM
BBC Filming over-Antiques Master,will be a great program--on BBC 2 Prime time Tv in july or Aug for 12 weeks,Celebrity special filmed on sunday went well and will suprise a few people!Hall now back to normal and with the fine sunny days the park has been packed.
Getting ready now for my greek island holiday!! and working on the celebration weekend at Towneley 11th to the 13th of June,Lots planned so we just need the sun to shine!
Posted by: Ken Darwen | 25 May 2010 at 04:33 PM
Well,Two weeks of filming by the BBC have ended,Antiques Master,due on BBC2 in JUly 2010,went really well and they hope to be back!! Very good program and should appeal to lots of veiwers,Celeb special went well on sunday,and the whole thing as been great for Towneley,Burnley and our visitors,Back to normal,Birthday dinner on friday night and wedding on saturday-it never stops!!
Posted by: Ken Darwen | 17 May 2010 at 11:34 AM
Burnley football shirt exhibition still bringing in the fans,on until the 30th of April,New exhibition starts on the 1st of may-Aviation in the North west-great paintings of aeroplanes and historic aviation artifacts--Burnley staff awards dinner/night next wednesday 28th,a nice thank you and presentation of awards for the best of the best!Then its filming for two weeks-BBC2 Antiques master quiz.
Posted by: Ken Darwen | 23 April 2010 at 09:10 AM
Over 5000 visitors have been to see the football exhibition so far over the Easter break!!and it does not finnish until the 30th of April,Sky TV came and filmed on tuesday the 6th so more good pR for Towneley.
Posted by: Ken Darwen | 08 April 2010 at 11:56 AM
Well worth a vist--Easter chick hunt from the 2nd of April until the end of the school holidays-craft stalls and Burnley Football clubs exhibition opens on the 3rd-100 years of Claret & Blue!This exhibition runs until the 30th and features 100 years of Burnley football shirts!
Then its two weeks of filming at Towneley by the BBC-Antiques Master-The program will feature Towneley in all of its glory and some items from the collections,BBC 2 prime time program,so great PR for the hall,and then we have our Heritage lottery celebration weekend in June--Opera-Lancashire food festival-Heritage comedy evening and hog roast & childrens tea party and mask parade on the sunday (11th to the 13th of June).So lots going on as usual!!
Posted by: Ken Darwen | 30 March 2010 at 12:03 PM