…the next meeting will be murder…

Friday 20th  September saw the launch of a new u3a group - Art, Architecture and Design - in the Lower Gallery at Burnham Museum. The 19 members who came along went away with the full knowledge of what a ‘Clack’ is. The item, designed by Helmut Dolph, mystified all those present, with the exception of myself and my wife Delia – we facilitated the group and don’t count because we had inside information!

The new group almost got off to a bad start though when, after standing outside for what seemed like an age waiting for somebody to open up and after a few frantic ‘phone calls the gallery where the meeting was to be held remained locked. It was extremely fortuitous that one of the members happened, purely by chance, to have a key. Although I’d kept calm on the surface, in my mind I was rehearsing various scenarios to explain the cancellation of our very first meeting!

Once unlocked though and inside, and after introductions and expressions of expectations from those present, it fell to me to give an illustrated presentation on the A to Z of Architecture – but expanding on each letter to include not only the architectural style, but how art and design relate. I was, of course, merely the facilitator and there was a good deal of welcome interaction from those present. As I explained, although I’m interested in the arts I’m by no means an expert and it was clear that some in the room had deeper knowledge, which they generously shared.

On this occasion, there were no takers in response to my asking whether anyone wished to do the presentation at the next meeting.  I offered a selection of possible talks from my own repertoire: surprisingly, rather than pottery, art or pure architecture the subject chosen was ‘The Rattenbury Murder’.

Francis Mawson Rattenbury was an architect, and a man so out of balance with himself, it ultimately destroyed him. Credited with the skyline of British Columbia, on his return to England, he was murdered by his wife’s lover – or was he? You may find out if you come to our next meeting.

Initially at each meeting, unless developments alter the format, there will be a presentation and then a ‘show and tell’ session where members bring along an item and share what it means to them, and with others examine the design and/ or function. As well as that invitation to bring along random items to the October meeting, one member asked if everybody could also bring along can and jar opening devices to examine and then a discussion can follow on the best and worst designs.

The meeting seemed successful, with some encouraging comments from many of those present. The next meeting will be on Friday October 18th 10.30 at the Burnham Museum Lower Gallery. To cover refreshments and the £25 hall hire fee, £2 each will be collected from all present.

Oh, and one last thing, in case you are wondering what a Clack is, it’s a device designed in 1999 that took the world by storm and the top off boiled eggs!

-Mike Allen