As a student pursuing an MA in Cultural Heritage and Resource Management at the University of Winchester, I was thrilled to undertake a placement with The Novium Museum. This opportunity allowed me to explore new areas of museum work while contributing to the museum’s upcoming 2025 exhibition on Shippam’s, a significant part of Chichester’s local history.
To provide a preview of the exhibition, I curated a display showcasing the museum’s archive of Shippam’s materials. The display is composed of three mini-cubes highlighting Shippam’s products and packaging, their advertising archive, and the brand’s extra-curricular activities. Curating this display was an entirely new experience for me, and I was excited to develop these skills during my placement.
In addition to the display, I contributed to the Shippam’s project by transcribing oral history interviews with former factory workers. These interviews offered a unique perspective on Shippam’s legacy and enriched my understanding of its impact on the local community.
I also gained hands-on experience in object cleaning and pest monitoring - two essential aspects of museum collections care that I had not previously explored. These tasks provided me with a well-rounded view of the diverse roles within a museum environment.
Another key aspect of my placement was researching the Shippam’s archive, which is held by the West Sussex Record Office and Screen Archive South-East. My research focused on sustainability practices within the factory, an area that will feature prominently in the 2025 exhibition.
While my academic background is rooted in the archaeology, history, and cultural heritage of the Greek Bronze Age, the North-West European Iron Age, and the Roman period, working with the Shippam’s archive has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It offered me valuable insights into Chichester’s social history and the processes involved in managing museum projects.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Novium Museum and would highly recommend this placement to any university students studying history, archaeology, heritage, museum studies, or related fields. The variety of experiences I’ve gained - from curatorial work to conservation and research - makes this placement an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the museum or cultural heritage sector.
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