Thorfast the comb maker
In the Viking section of the museum of The Collection in Lincoln there is a reconstruction of a Viking comb maker’s workshop.
The comb maker is called Thorfast by the museum staff, this is because in 1867 a comb case was found in Lincoln with a runic inscription on it that reads as “Thorfast made a good comb”.

This case is now in the British Museum (though it has been out on loan a few times). The learning team decided the area and the comb maker in particular needed a makeover: the display needed a good clean, some of the items had become damaged in the eleven years he has stood there and a few items in the display were rather dated.
His costume consisted of a very long tunic that was later medieval in style and very thin with no footwear so we also chose him a new outfit. Now he leans nonchalantly proud of his new gear.

On the shelves is his lunch (an apple and some Viking flat bread) as well as replica cooking pots and Stamford ware. When asked about his new look he just said “Thorfast made a good comb!”
— Erik Grigg July 2019
Read More‘It IS Rocket Science’ workshops
STEM Ambassadors joined us for our exciting ‘It IS Rocket Science’ workshops last week. A fun (& wet!) time was had by all!!
We’re excited as the Dinosaurs are coming this summer…

Come face-to-face with your favourite dinosaurs in Dinosaur Encounter – a thrilling exhibition from London’s Natural History Museum.
With fossil replicas, impressive dinosaur models and animatronics and even a roaring, snorting three-quarter size T-Rex, you’ll be transported back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the land.
Archaeology Festival 2019
Join us across the sites for a fantastic and varied week of events from Tuesday 28th May. You will find something for all ages and interests.
Download our leaflet to find out more.
Advanced booking required for the Wednesday Archaeology Conference only.
Creative arts learning linked to the Artists in residence
This May and June we are offering creative art workshops linked to othe work of our Artists in residence. We are excited that they will be with us on site. They are
Michael Shaw – is a sculptor and curator of Burghley House Sculpture Garden. During his residency, he will aim to create a working studio that enables 3D printing, CNC paper cutting and drawing responses to collection artefacts.
Belén Cerezo – is an artist, researcher and lecturer in the Photography department at Nottingham Trent University. Her practice focusses on the production of immersive multi-projection audio-visual installations and through her residency she will explore the boundaries between ‘looking at’ and ‘being in’ through immersion in these installations.
Ros Lorimer – is an artist and archaeological illustrator who will set up an archaeological drawing office in the gallery. Ros plans to make examinations of artefacts from The Collection that have ‘arrived’ at different times in Lincolnshire from other locations, leading to a creative and topical exploration of migration and travel through the ages.
If you would like to book a workshop or discuss doing a linked project with us then let us know and we will look at the options for you.
Read MoreSpring/ Summer learning offer for schools
We have learning experiences linked to the Artists in Residence in May and June and then for a few days left only in July and September we have an exclusive workshop offer linked to the Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Encounter animatronic exhibition.
For further information please contact the learning team at investigate-learning@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Read MoreLocal film maker Stuart Riley starts us off!
New teacher resources are being developed with the support of film maker Stuart Riley.
We would be excited to hear from you if you have suggestions for how we may support your curriculum. Tell us your ideas about film and outreach topics based upon our collections and wealth of history.
Read MoreFebruary Half Term Exploration Fun
Come and join us as the Investigate learning team help you to be Explorers.

There are workshops, storytelling sessions and creatives crafts for you to have a go at across the three sites.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Read MoreCreative Arts case study
After the success of our collaborative projects and workshops in 2018 (see attached case study) we have more exciting learning experiences planned for 2019.
Our workshop experiences respond to the exhibitions and this year we are also linking to the following exhibitions in addition to our permanent collection –
- Museum of the Moon: 2 March – 28 April 2019
- OPEM Artists in Residence 2019: 11 May – 23 June
- Dinosaur Encounter: 13 July – 8 September
Our collaborative project work and learning experiences on site can also link to the examination or arts award courses.
If you would like further information please contact the Learning Manager.








