Meet the Volunteers

Olivia

Why do you volunteer?

I started volunteering to escape the student bubble, meet and interact with a variety of people, and contribute to the city I’ve enjoyed being a student in. I also really liked the idea that the Museum of Oxford is the only Oxford museum which is about the city itself and celebrates the history of its people.

What's your favourite object?

My favourite object in the museum might not technically count as an object! It is the set of maps of Oxford which chart the growth of the city from its beginnings to the 20th century. Visitors are always drawn to it, local and tourists, and it is wonderful for starting conversations. The maps link to so many of the other pieces in the museum – they really are integral to Explore Oxford!

And what's the best thing about volunteering?

Being in the Young Volunteers group as it is just so much fun; developing ideas together, learning new skills, and building experience for the future.

Aaron

Why do you volunteer?

Initially I jumped at the chance of a museum appointment because well history is just my life (or well was at one point in time as the past tends to unfurl). To be given this recognition as someone who'll happily potter about the depths of Oxford's history couldn't make me any more proud as being an actor in such diverse dynamics upon the backdrop of the world's best and oldest English speaking university gives you credentials no degree or Cambridge affiliation could earn. To teach and be taught by the waves of culturally differing visitors doesn't just put the academy award nominations to shame but awards you a universal PhD in the performing arts of confidence and adaptability.

What's your favourite object?

I care deeply for each object as if they were children... human children... who have yet to learn speech... or mobility. If I had to pick a favourite chi- I mean object than I'd have to choose the wooden chair I can rest upon when I'm not chasing down selfie stick intruders. Partially yes because it's a comfort away from having to stand with standing but it's also the best vantage point any colonel could wish for. To my left lay the maps which are delightful as not only can I rest my arm upon its wooden stand but it's always the one object which visitors gravitate towards to most and seem to Inaudibly gasp when the significant population growth of the 19th century hits them. As I look up I can get a terrible angle of the wonderful Jan Wyck painting which despite my preferences for lighter tones, is rather fixating to stare into its finer details and wonder how it got through the door before it was put on the wall. To my left and right stand the quarter boys (or Tweedle Dee and dum as I call them) who are brilliant when pointing out their originality and William fletcher who is quite the conversationalist and such a poser in my glasses. Lastly opposite hang paintings various, they're always counted and checked for imperfections but obviously such concerns never go array

And what's the best thing about volunteering?

Smiles. This is a difficult world for anyone to live in. We have wars, we have stress, we have inequalities and we have trauma. Surely every child needs kindness before they face life's realities, surely every adult seeks reassurance that not everything is crumbling around them and surely every aged individual deserves reprieve before they leave life's realities. To see a melancholic expression on an individual or family as they enter the museum turn into a smile as they leave, isn't just a blessing but a goal and every time I succeed than my favourite part of volunteering is reinforced.

Laura

Why do you volunteer ?

Volunteering at the Museum enables me to give time to a unique part of the city and meet interesting people who have the same interest in the history of their surroundings. When history is taught in School's it is often dominated by famous figures and events (usually wars!), but the Museum presents a diverse history of the different people who lived here and their stories come alive together. The Museum is about to undertake a new phase in its history, and it is an exciting time to be involved. I’ve learnt a lot about Oxford and its history, and it has given me greater understanding of how the city functions today.

What's your favourite object?

The model of St Giles Fair made by Neville Rainsley. It’s so colourful and intricate that it makes me want to play with the figures and release my inner child! It's amazing to see objects that have survived the test of time so well.

And what's the best thing about volunteering?

Children are often very excited to visit the museum and it’s great to see families learning together in Explore Oxford. They can take home some new knowledge about their area of the city. Knowing that you are part of something that is bigger than yourself is humbling. Working alongside the other young volunteers is a great way to give something back to the community, develop our own skills and push the boundaries of what is possible in a museum environment. 

Lisa

Why do you volunteer?

Being a volunteer at the Museum allows me to give back to the community which raised me. I grew up near Oxford and feel that it's important for us to improve our understanding of the city, in order to celebrate it!

What's your favourite object?

The Frank Coopers marmalade tin. Such an iconic brand, based right in the hear of Oxford, which made its way to the South Pole which explorer Captain Scott!

And what's the best thing about volunteering?

I volunteer as there is so much to be gained from it. I have learnt many invaluable skills- the most important of which, I believe, is working in a team with the young volunteers and interacting with the public, both of which I thoroughly enjoy.