6A2,6B2,6D2 - OUGD602 - Getting in Contact with Harewood House for Work Experience - Christmas at Harewood: Dreams of the 1920s by Simon Costin

Getting in contact with Harewood House 

During the visit to Harewood House for the talk by Lord Whitney and Geraldine Pilgrim staff from Harewood House said that they were on the look out for volunteers for the set up of their Christmas exhibition 'Christmas at Harewood: Dreams of the 1920s' which would be designed by set designer Simon Costin.

Having an interest in making and three dimensional work I thought this would be a great opportunity to use my practical skills to help out on a large scale project. Being a hands on and practical person this would be a great opportunity to see how exhibitions are produced, learn new skills and meet new people. I was also excited to work in a place that had so much history and was in such a beautiful setting.   Set design combines aspects of three dimensional design, experiential design, working within spaces and using props and materials to create ideas, all of which could be areas in which my practice could be developed.


To find out more about the project I emailed the volunteer team at Harewood House:

Hello,

I am a student from Leeds Arts University who visited Harewood House for the talk by Lord Whitney and Geraldine Pilgrim on the 10th October. It was mentioned after the talk by a staff member, that Harewood House would be looking for volunteers to help with the set up of the Christmas experience. I was hoping to find out more information about this and how to go about applying to help.

Thanks for you help it is much appreciated

Jasmine Nixon

Email correspondence between the 15th and 1st November 

Main points from following correspondence with Harewood House: 

- To take part I would have to fill in a Volunteer Registration of Interest From with two references.

- Simon Costin would be creating the exhibition in various rooms within the house with the designs based on the dreams of George and Gerald Lascelles, the young sons of Princess Mary, the 6th Countess of Harewood.

- The set up of the exhibition would take place between the 5th - 22nd of November 

- They were happy to have me get involved in the exhibition

- I needed to go for an induction before starting the voluntary work 

- A plan of things to do across the two week would be available closer to the time

Actions taken by me

- The volunteer registration form was filled out and my reference was my tutor Simon. The form asked for my personal details and that of a referee. There was also a section asking what skills and experience you have and how you would like to use them at Harewood.

My response to this question was:

  

- Dates I offered to help were the 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st November 

- I attended and induction on the 5th of November prior to starting the voluntary work on the 7th of November