Bentley Priory Museum, in Stanmore, Harrow, has announced a new stop-frame animation workshop for families over the May half-term.
The museum has partnered with storyteller-illustrator Isabel Benavides as part of their new project, “Clerk Special Duties,” which aims to explore the role of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) at RAF Bentley Priory during World War II.
Families will work with illustrator Isabel Benavides to create a stop-frame animation inspired by the WAAF, using extracts from wartime diaries and the museum’s collection to help build a moving picture of the work they undertook.
The workshop is part of a wider project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which will uncover and share the stories of women who played a vital role in the Dowding System during World War II.
The Museum’s Learning Manager, Sarah Nicol, said, “We’re excited to be working with Issy and families to bring these engaging personal stories to life and highlight the experiences of women in the WAAF with this workshop.” The museum will also be running a competition across its social media sites to name the newly created WAAF character, drawn by Isabel Benavides.
The workshop will be available on Wednesday 31 May, Friday 2 June, and Saturday 3 Jun from 10.30am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Due to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, there is no additional cost for the workshop, which is included in Museum Admission or Annual Membership. Pre-booking is advised, and this can be done via the museum’s website.
Bentley Priory Museum is housed in a Grade II listed building in Stanmore and tells one of the most important narratives of modern history – how the Battle of Britain was won. The museum highlights the contribution and importance of Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding, the aircrew who fought in the skies above Britain, and the many who made victory possible.
It is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am – 5pm (last admission 4pm).
