Life in Lockdown
My name is Claudia and I currently support the Museum of Croydon as a Handling Collection Volunteer. I have always had a passion for art and history and I have a MA in Visual Cultures. People tend to think about museums as places that host collections of paintings, objects and specimens. I prefer the idea of museums as places that can tell and share human stories and experiences, which can enable people to reflect, empathise and also remember. During lockdown, when museums had to rethink their role and be proactively present on social media more than ever, this aspect became more evident. In this context objects handling (although in a virtual form at this particular time) is an opportunity for active learning as it helps people to connect with specific periods, people, habits and beliefs. London is a big place and my friends all live far from my area, so the only way to keep in touch with them is through WhatsApp, Skype and Zoom. Staying in touch in the digital era is fairly easy, although I find really difficult to sustain a video call with more than a couple of people at once. But these platforms proved very useful as they allow people to work remotely, joining meetings and webinars. As I could not attend the Museum of Croydon in person, I managed to keep in touch with staff and I have been doing all my volunteering from home, working on digital experiences and exhibitions.
During lockdown I kept active taking walks in my local parks and green spaces every morning for at least an hour. It was good to enjoy nature and getting to know my nearest places. Nature changes slowly but constantly and everyday was different, as I noticed how buds and flowers left space to foliage and fruits and what plants surrounded me. Walking in my local natural areas made me feel more calm and focused. Because I had more time to study and focus on personal interests, I decided to apply to a long distance course in Botany, which I am really enjoying and makes my daily walks in nature more interesting. Also, I had more time to experiment in the kitchen and try new recipes. I had great fun in researching WW2 recipes of cakes with rationed ingredients for the VE75 event organised by the Museum. Furthermore, having to spend my birthday at home, I managed to bake a rustic pear cake and it came out really well. I think lockdown made me reflect on the need to slow down, being more present and focused, grateful for what I have and the precious job of core workers. Less is more and quarantine has been a chance to reassess my true wants and needs, appreciating life little things and avoiding waste and non-essential spending.
Claudia Colia
Handling Collection Volunteer
Museum of Croydon
