Recently, The Slough Museum has been holding exhibitions celebrating the 60th anniversary of the famous and nostalgic television series, Thunderbirds!
It is a reminder that Slough Trading Estate was the birthplace of the original TV series that captured the imagination of the British and soon after – global audiences. In doing so – this amazing exhibition has allowed for many fans to reunite and reminisce over shared memories, witnessing the stunning display of collector’s items and production equipment.
And as if it couldn’t get any better, they even welcomed special guests such as Dee Anderson, daughter of the Thunderbirds creators – Sylvia and Gerry Anderson, as well as Mary Turner, the puppetry supervisor of the original series.
But our museum holds so many more creative and wonderful workshops and exhibitions that tend to go underappreciated…
Despite having moved around Slough, it has found a home on the Trading Estate and remains devoted to celebrating the town’s history. It champions the town’s as well as its residents’ stories. With its collection covering the period spanning over 10,000 years, it covers themes from prehistory (with the fossils of the woolly mammoth’s tooth or the auroch’s jawbone) to Roman period (a coin found in Mannor Park!), modern migration, industry, community life and urban developments.
Notable programs include Britwell’s Stories Exhibition which explores its history as a “new town” welcoming the inhabitants of West London’s slums post-World War 2 and features interviews from contemporary residents.
Beyond history, its activities are intentionally broadened to invite residents of all ages to access, enjoy and get involved. With its partners Artful Hub and Antz Kidz it offers a range of creative workshops for adults and families including novelty candle-making, African tie-dye, paper mache crafts and many, many more!
These activities allow for everyone to participate and learn new skills or encourage individuals to reconnect with traditional ones in a safe, nurturing environment. More modern digital skills training is being delivered with partners from Bloo Sprout hi-tech company – teaching those interested about AI and how it can be used to aid careers.
Much of this hard work is supported by local volunteers, artists and organisations – paying homage to the community-centred spirit on which it was founded on. Established back in 1982 by a group of local people eager to share knowledge about Slough, the institution has flourished and grown tremendously to teach, strengthen connections and cultivate the community in numerous creative ways.
Whatever you can think of Slough Museum probably has already done it and more!
So, make sure to take the time to visit, whether it be in your own company or with the additional enthusiasm from family and friends, and check out what program they could possibly be running next!
