July 3 2007 Slavery, run, Sopranos

July 3 2007 Slavery, run, Sopranos

Getting really excited about the International Slavery Museum which will open in Liverpool next month.

Had lunch with David Fleming and Sharon Granville from National Museums Liverpool at the Bar and Grill in Brunswick Street yesterday.

Interesting contrast in styles. David, the Director, is passionate to the point of evangelism about the project and the musuem and gallery scene in Liverpool generally.

Sharon, Project Director, is more reserved and analytical, occasionally and politely reining her boss in when a zany idea takes him careering into dangerous territory.

If there are any NML staff surfing this blog, let me know if the double act works the same way back at headquarters.

http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/

The Slavery Museum opens on August 23 and I detect that Liverpool is about to become home to a world-leading attraction.

The museum will set out to tell the story slavery in a holistic sense and not just the piece of the tale that belongs exclusively to Liverpool.

More will be revealed in the weeks ahead but we may be on the verge of something very special.

Slavery has always provoked strong emotions among Echo readers and has filled many letters pages and message boards.

We will, therefore be coming in with a big series in August to set the scene for the opening.

Was surprised to say the least by how little government money NML has to spend on art and artefacts in a year. To grow and enhance collections needs massive, co-ordinated and focused lobbying for funds from other sources.

Did three-mile run in torrential rain last night. Pleased with how I felt during and afterwards. Now 15 days without alcohol and weight is responding, albeit slowly. Seven days to go then hopefully moderation after that.

Meant to watch half an hour of Sopranos Series Six in bed last night. Ended up watching two episodes. Gripping.

James Gandolfini hold the whole thing together though. Without him??? I'm not sure.