Volunteer Hub
Conservation Cleaning Volunteer
Organisation Details
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Sub theme: Culture, Heritage, Museums
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Elizabeth Gaskell's House in Manchester is the former home of the famous author and her family. Her novels include Mary Barton, Cranford, North and South, Ruth and Wives and Daughters and are enjoyed on television, stage and radio.
This beautifully restored home has spectacular period rooms, villa garden and a tea room for visitors to enjoy. We host a year-round programme of special events and activities and our much loved book shop sells a range of new and second hand books.
This beautifully restored home has spectacular period rooms, villa garden and a tea room for visitors to enjoy. We host a year-round programme of special events and activities and our much loved book shop sells a range of new and second hand books.
Description of role: We are looking for volunteers to join us for our next Conservation Cleaning day!
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is a small, independent museum and historic house, located just a 5–10 minute walk from the University of Manchester on Oxford Road. We have a very small staff team and are supported by a fantastic group of 30–40 volunteers.
We describe ourselves as a “hands-on house”, which is unusual for a historic house museum of this type. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the objects on display and make themselves feel at home during their visit. Alongside this, our volunteer-run Conservation Cleaning group helps to care for the House and its collections through regular cleaning sessions throughout the year.
We are offering students a unique opportunity to join the group for our next session on Monday 9 November. This session will focus specifically on preparing the House to be decorated for our Victorian Christmas experience, so we need as many pairs of hands as possible!
The session will begin at 10.30am, and we ask volunteers to commit to a four-hour shift. You will have a lunch break during the session, so please bring a packed lunch. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.
No previous experience is necessary. Our experienced volunteers will provide training on the day, and our group includes a retired conservation cleaner with over 30 years of experience, so you’ll be in very good hands!
This opportunity would be particularly suited to anyone interested in working in the heritage sector who would like to gain practical, hands-on experience caring for museum objects. While no previous experience is required, volunteers should be comfortable carrying out physical tasks such as dusting and vacuuming.
The role is initially for one day, but there may be opportunities to continue volunteering with the Conservation Cleaning group. You would also be very welcome to enquire about joining the wider volunteer team as a regular volunteer.
Other things to note:
• Travel expenses can be reimbursed up to £10 per day.
• Bike racks are available on-site.
• Parking is available on-site.
• There is no dress code, but practical and comfortable clothing is strongly recommended.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is a small, independent museum and historic house, located just a 5–10 minute walk from the University of Manchester on Oxford Road. We have a very small staff team and are supported by a fantastic group of 30–40 volunteers.
We describe ourselves as a “hands-on house”, which is unusual for a historic house museum of this type. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the objects on display and make themselves feel at home during their visit. Alongside this, our volunteer-run Conservation Cleaning group helps to care for the House and its collections through regular cleaning sessions throughout the year.
We are offering students a unique opportunity to join the group for our next session on Monday 9 November. This session will focus specifically on preparing the House to be decorated for our Victorian Christmas experience, so we need as many pairs of hands as possible!
The session will begin at 10.30am, and we ask volunteers to commit to a four-hour shift. You will have a lunch break during the session, so please bring a packed lunch. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.
No previous experience is necessary. Our experienced volunteers will provide training on the day, and our group includes a retired conservation cleaner with over 30 years of experience, so you’ll be in very good hands!
This opportunity would be particularly suited to anyone interested in working in the heritage sector who would like to gain practical, hands-on experience caring for museum objects. While no previous experience is required, volunteers should be comfortable carrying out physical tasks such as dusting and vacuuming.
The role is initially for one day, but there may be opportunities to continue volunteering with the Conservation Cleaning group. You would also be very welcome to enquire about joining the wider volunteer team as a regular volunteer.
Other things to note:
• Travel expenses can be reimbursed up to £10 per day.
• Bike racks are available on-site.
• Parking is available on-site.
• There is no dress code, but practical and comfortable clothing is strongly recommended.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Oral Communication Skills, Practical Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: One day / week only
Start date:
End date:
Opportunity times: Monday Morning, Monday Afternoon
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 4
Location:
84 Plymouth Grove
Manchester
M13 9LW