(cont)

rotation of these in order to keep the contents of The Collection fresh and ensure that those in the city visiting regularly see a little more of the county’s collection each time.

Beyond this role, Dawn also has the responsibility of dealing with other museums and visitor attractions to both loan out our own and borrow other centres’ objects and liaise with researchers and students to assist them with their projects. Dawn’s final role at The Collection, however, must be the most intriguing; acting as a first point of contact for members of the public who think they have accidentally unearthed an item of historic interest.

This can include farmers or gardeners who unearth an object in the course of their work or one of the county’s amateur metal detector fanatics. Whilst many of the finds turn out to be benign, an interesting and historically significant find turns up every couple of months or so, making her job exciting to say the least! “We’re really lucky to have a city council and a county council so keen to make the most of our history, and during the three years in which The Collection has been open we’ve been really well-received by the public.” Says Dawn.

Over the next month, visitors to The Collection can see New Art from Sichuan, a showcase of the best contemporary works from the Chinese province, and, rather closer to home, the Lincolnshire Artists’ Society biannual exhibition, plus a selection of the city’s archaeological artefacts in the main gallery. 

Later this summer to coincide with the Beijing Olympics, The Collection will host a British Museum touring exhibition of Grecian artefacts including vases and sculptures with the theme of Competition. It’s just such variety that, Dawn says, ensures The Collection’s success in the county.

“We do really well, hosting seven or eight temporary exhibitions each year. The building is an excellent space and we really do feel as though the public is making the most of it. We’re delighted that the past three years have been so successful. It’s the best job in the World!”

The Collection is based on Lincoln’s Danes Terrace. Admission is free and regular visits are highly recommended! For more information see www.lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 01522 550990 for a programme of events.