School and Museum in London Education

Abstract

IN order to take fuller advantage of the exceptional opportunities afforded by the museums of London of adding background to the curriculum of the schools, the London County Council decided early in the current year to add to the staff of its inspectorate an officer who would serve as a liaison between museum and school. School visits to the museums have long figured in the time-table; but it had become evident that some organisation of objective was necessary to secure the full return for the time which these visits demand. The resolution of the Council has been given effect by the appointment of Dr. Louis W. G. Malcolm to the post; and arrangements have been made already under his supervision for an extension of the system of school visits and lectures in the museums to cover a wide field of subjects of topical and educational interest. In the Imperial Institute, for example, geographical films are being shown and lectures given on the Mediterranean, Malta, Gibraltar, Cyprus and Suez, and these will be followed by illustrations of the industries and occupations of the more distant parts of the Empire. In the London Museum, the history of London from prehistoric to Stuart times is to be demonstrated. Among other museums at present participating in the scheme are the Victoria and Albert, Horniman and Geffrye Museums. Dr. Malcolm, who was a research scholar in anthropology of Christ's College, Cambridge, and obtained his Ph.D. degree for a thesis on the history and development of medical museums, not only has a wide and varied experience of museum work, but he has also devoted much attention to the practical development of the museum collection as a part of the machinery of education. His work will be supported by a strong and informed committee of the County Council.