This article was first published in the Manchester Museum Virtual Advent Calendar on 16th December 2020.

Exploring dexterity and celebrating identity

by Jamilla

Artist in residence Lucy Burscough is currently working with Manchester Museum on Dab Hands. This is a two-year project exploring our relationship with our hands through creative approaches, especially for those whose dexterity has been deeply affected by disease, trauma and medical intervention. A wonderfully profound venture, it is inspiring to know that Lucy has discovered so much in our collections that can form a connection with her subjects. She will capture this through portraits of those taking part, celebrating their identities and incredibly unique dexterous traits.

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Towards the end of summer, we were asked by Lucy to arrange a visit for one of her participants, wooden spoon-maker, Barry Bate. Present circumstances have made it a challenge to organise collections visits, however time was of utmost importance for Barry as, quite openly, he shared that he has terminal cancer. As such, I was keen to arrange a session in the Museum’s Collections Studio, during which he could handle and explore wooden spoons from our collections, with his extraordinary hands and inquiring mind.

Barry brought with him his own tools and examples of his work, including the individual stages of creating a spoon, from a single wooden block to a beautifully carved piece. Listening to Barry talk about his craft, the impact his illness has had on his skills, and the complex practice of carving wooden spoons, was inspirational and utterly captivating; something I feel very privileged to have been a part of. His vast knowledge of wood-work was demonstrated through his thoughts on the Museum’s collections. With profound enthusiasm, he discoursed with particularly admiration on the complexities of Japanese tea dredgers. He handled the delicate pieces with care, and utmost respect for their historic significance; describing the intricate techniques that would have been used to create the spoons.

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Had it not been for the exhaustion caused by his illness and medication, I feel that Barry could have spoken about his passion for wood-work far beyond the time we had, and I would have listened for hours. The experience and creative talent he communicated in that single session were unquestionably those of a true craftsman. What an honour for the Museum to play a role in Barry’s life-story, and what an incredibly poignant time to be telling that story.

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Jamilla Briggs

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Images: Barry Bates, craftsman and wooden spoon spoon-maker, in the Collections Studio, Manchester Museum