Collections chat: Thursday 9 July

Thursday 9 July

An open session. With thanks to everyone who came.

Alexander Wilson, A Horse in Platt Fields, Manchester, with Platt Hall in the distance, 1822, 1963.297
R J Willis, Floorplan of Platt Hall Ground Floor, 1925, 1925.97
Objects chosen by Mark.

1963.297 A Horse in Platt Fields, Manchester, with Platt Hall in the distance, painting by Alexander Wilson

1925.97 Floorplan of Platt Hall Ground Floor by RJ Willis

Each session starts with an opening question. It can be a bit worrying for the facilitator, as who knows what emotions it might tap into. But they can be magical in bringing people together. Today it was about encounters with horses. Diverse anecdotes, from the trauma of enforced school pony trekking to memories of riding in the mountains of Pakistan. Stories that echoed through our speculations about this handsome beast pictured in Platt Fields almost 200 years ago.

Diagram of notes from the conversation in response to the question 'Have you ever been on a horse?'

Diagram of notes from the conversation in response to the painting of a horse in Platt Fields.

Diagram of notes from the conversation in response to the Floorplan of Platt Hall Ground Floor.