Reciprocal Visit: London Transport Museum Depot

When you think of Transport for London (TfL), the first thought that comes into your mind is the crowded underground or a diversion bus. Well, my mind has changed after visiting the London Transport Museum Depot, in Acton Town, on Friday 13th November with a group of fellow volunteers and Fran, our Volunteer Development Officer.

We had the honour, as Fulham Palace volunteers, to get into this collection for free and as part of a special tour run by few friendly volunteers. This amazing warehouse is only opened to the public for special open weekends and guided tours. You can find more information in their website here. 

I would define it as the history of a city through its transports. Buses from the beginning of 20th century that show the evolution of the industry,  people's lifestyle and the evolution of the public services in London. You can even see how poster adverts on buses has been developed through the years.

We had the opportunity to go inside one of the first Metropolitan line train couches and experienced the textures of the old wood and seat materials. We literally travelled  in the time.

The posters and signs were one of the favourite parts for all of us. You can see how the designs and the way we advertise have changed with the time.

Below are some quotes from other volunteers who attended the tour.

“It was a privilege to get really close to the original artwork for the LT posters, underground maps (including the iconic ‘Mr Beck’s’).

Then we were amazed to see not only the actual rolling-stock, trams, trolley-buses and buses from the 19th to the late 20th centuries, all displayed in the vast Depot Shed; but also to view a comprehensive collection of much smaller items, such as uniforms, and cutlery plus crockery from the old LT staff canteens.”

— Jane

“We had a very good tour of the Depot in Acton. From horse power to steam to electric, we wandered this vast warehouse through the ages. One tube carriage had sat idle and was used as a make-shift home but was later restored to its original condition: a plush, velvet upholstered private car with blonde wood ceiling, gilded mirrors and brass fixtures. I felt like I was on the Orient Express! I also enjoyed having permission to look at the poster collection with original graphics and sketches. ”

— Kathy

“It was genuinely interesting and something unusual. It was very kind of the volunteers to give up their time and I really appreciated it. ”

— Steve

“It was fascinating and a privilege. ”

— Vicky

If you want  to know more about this tour please visit the Image Gallery where you can find a new folder with pictures from the visit. If you went on the visit and took any photos please do share them with us and we will add them to the gallery. 

Don't worry if you missed this tour because we will have more visits soon. Keep an eye at this blog and the Calendar page.

Marlen Armendariz

Volunteer Communication Assistant

Hidcote Gardens Volunteer Visit

If you enjoy green spaces, nature and love gardening, you must visit Hidcote Gardens, in Gloucestershire. Now, as a Fulham Palace volunteer you can do it for free!

A group of weekend garden volunteers approached our Volunteer Development Officer, Fran, about organising a visit on Sunday 29th of November, which Hidcote have kindly offered.

These beautiful gardens are outside London and it is quite difficult to get there by public transport.  Sadly, we are not able to provide transport, so if you are interested in going there,  you will need to provide your own car. If you don't mind driving others, please let Fran know and we can arrange groups to go in cars so you are able to share petrol costs.

If you are really keen on visiting Hidcote Gardens but you don't have a means of transport, email Fran anyway and we will try to see if someone have a place available in their car.

Fran Riando, Volunteer Development Officer: francesca.riando@fulhampalace.org  

In the mean while you can have a look on Hidcote Gardens website to learn  more about this amazing green space.

Marlen Armendariz

Volunteer Communication Assistant

Benjamin Franklin House Volunteers Visit Fulham Palace

We would like to share some details about last months reciprocal with Benjamin Franklin House volunteers, this is one of the best ways to understand and learn about other museums and their history.

Don't forget our next reciprocal visit is to the London Transport Museum on Friday 13th of November, where we will be receiving a tour of the depot from one of their knowledgeable volunteer tour guides . Join here.

In the last week of September, volunteers from the Benjamin Franklin House came to visit the Palace and enjoy a guided tour from Theresa, one of our experienced volunteer tour guides.

The group had a great time and particularly enjoyed the garden landscape and the Palace history and architecture.

This visit was reciprocal, so Fulham Palace volunteers were able to visit Benjamin Franklin House at the beginning of October. You can see some pictures of the visits in our Image Gallery. Our volunteers explored the life and house of Benjamin Franklin in London and learnt facts and details about him through an excellent live interpretation. If you attend the visit and would like to share your experience or any photos please do get in touch. 

Reciprocal Visit - London Transport Museum

As a volunteer at Fulham Palace we offer reciprocal visits to many other museums and places of interest. On Friday 13 November you are invited to visit London Transport Museum meeting 11.00am.

'London Transport Museum explores the story of London and its transport system over the last 200 years, highlighting the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, culture and society since 1800. We care for over 450,000 items - preserving, researching and acquiring objects to use in our galleries, exhibitions and other activities.

As well as exploring the past, the Museum looks at present-day transport developments and concepts for urban transportation in the future, which includes a contemporary collecting policy for the benefit of future generations.' find out more here. 

We will be meeting at 11.00,  the visit will included access to the museum and a guided tour from one of their volunteer tour guides of the Depot. 

To sign up for this visit click here.

As always, do let us know if you have any comments, questions or suggestions for future reciprocal visits. 

Fran Riando

Volunteer Development Officer 

Reciprocal Visits - Benjamin Franklin House

As a Volunteer at Fulham Palace you are able to benefit from reciprocal visits to a number of museums and other places of interest. However, the way we organise these is changing as we will now be offering set dates for visits. You will be able to sign up to these, online or by getting in touch directly with Fran, Volunteer Development Officer. 

We will update you as new dates are confirmed right here on the blog, you can also keep an eye on the calendar page of the website for all upcoming volunteer events and visits, View here.

The first of these visits is to the Benjamin Franklin House on Friday 9 October.

'In the heart of London, is Benjamin Franklin House, the world's only remaining Franklin home. For nearly sixteen years between 1757 and 1775, Dr Benjamin Franklin - Scientist, diplomat, philosopher, inventor, Founding Father of the United States and more - lived behind its doors. Built circa 1730, it is today a dynamic museum and educational facility.' find out more here. 

We will be meeting at 12.45 for a 13.00 viewing of the Historical Experience show. Following this we will be able to see a short, interactive demonstration of the Glass Armonica, Franklin's musical invention.

The maximum number of people for this visit is 15, so initially we are offering this to volunteers only. If you would like to bring someone who is not a volunteer, do still let us know and we will be able to inform you closer to the visit if this will be possible. 

To sign up for this visit click here.

As always, do let us know if you have any comments, questions or suggestions for future reciprocal visits.