This is a discussion note, subject to redrafting in discussion with the various projects mentioned here. David Wilcox December 2022 david@socialreporter.com
Museum of the Streets
The aim of the Museum of the Streets is to bring together guides, trails, maps, blogs and other sources of information about the City of London, and make them more accessible to anyone exploring from the street, home or office. MotS is inspired by closure of the Museum of London for three years during a move to West Smithfield, and is based on the Exploring EC1 Project.
As far as possible the aim is to build upon, support and connect existing initiatives. Here’s one idea of how that might work - bringing together the Footways project, and the rich source of content created by guides and bloggers. MotS could support re-staging Bartholomew Fair, which was the original“Destination City” initiative, and help catalyse creative collaboration between businesses and residents in the BID.
Footways
The Footways project has mapped quiet and interesting routes throughout central London, including Clerkenwell and City. There is a printed map, and a digital version with geolocation so people can follow routes on their phone.
Clerkenwell and City Footways
The Farringdon to Angel route is one of those featured on separate digital maps with pop-up information on key points of interest. The printed map, produced by Urban Good and Applied, has additional information on the back.
Mapping and media experiments
For the EC1 project, we have developed a database of places of interest and associated content, and experimented with ways to display that on different types of maps and linked information sheets. One set of sheets curates stories from the EC1 Echo. More here about the mapping system.
The aim of experimenting with different mapping systems is to find the benefits of each in different circumstances.
The Footways maps provide a unique framework of routes, guidance on the ground, and some addition information. Layers of London allows exploration of areas at different periods, and storytelling with a range of media.
Google maps are familiar and offer unparalleled information about an area available through mobile apps, constantly updated. People can review places, add photos, create their own maps, and preview locations virtually using Streetview. Apple maps have a similar offer.
Curating self guided walks and tours
Guides provide another source of information. As part of the EC1 Project we demonstrated how it is possible to use the Wakelet bookmarking tool to bring together the many self-guided walks available for the area. Here’s a collection for Clerkenwell, including videos, and one here for the City.
The challenge for anyone wishing to explore the City’s rich heritage is that while resources like those above are available online, they are scattered. A museum can provide galleries that offer a range of accessible exhibits, with explanations, and create a narrative around a period, place or theme.
In order to provide a similar experience when we have no Museum of London, we need to use different digital tools to assemble our assets … photos, audio, videos, maps, stories … and enable people to contribute their own.
The idea isn’t new. Back in 2010 the Museum of London pioneered the award-winning StreetMuseum app offering the potential for virtual tours. It was described as“a bid to put the collections of the museum where they belonged, on the streets of London.” Unfortunately changes in phone operating systems mean the app is no longer available. Hopefully it will be updated. Either way a Museum of the Streets could offer a complementary approach, harvesting the resources of many groups and organisations, and providing us all with the opportunity to become digital curators and explorers.
Museum of the Streets
Footways
Mapping and media experiments
Curating self guided walks and tours
Historypin
Culture Mile demonstration
The challenge