Discover a lost kingdom, play retro computer games, meet a plague doctor and hear why the city’s sci-fi contribution rivals its musical heritage, by visiting the University of Liverpool campus during Light Night 2016.
After hundreds of visitors made it up the hill to call in on the newly rehomed Garstang Mummy last year, the University has a plethora of activities on offer to tempt late night culture vultures this Friday, May 13.
For 2016, the Garstang Museum opens the vaults to unveil never-before-displayed images of Meroë, the capital of the lost African Kingdom of Kush, taken between 1909 and 1914 during excavations by legendary Liverpool archaeology Professor John Garstang.
Ancient artefacts from the site will also be on show, alongside replicas created using modern techniques, like photogrammetry and 3D printing.
Garstang Museum Curator, Dr Gina Criscenzo-Laycocksaid: “These photographs have never been put on display before, so this is an exciting opportunity to discover a fascinating area of North African archaeology and history.”
And the Garstang Mummy still takes pride of place amongst the permanent exhibition of ancient treasures.
In the Sydney Jones Library, from 6pm to 7pm, the University’s own sci-fi librarian, Andy Sawyer will consider the city’s impressive contribution to the genre. Andy will make the case for Liverpool’s visionary writers – the likes of Clive Barker, Stephen Baxter, Ramsay Campbell; and a new generation including Leah Moore and John Reppion – to be thought of as “the equal of, and even the inspiration for, its musicians”.
In the iconic Victoria Gallery and Museum (VG&M), meet a sinister ‘plague doctor’ who will discuss the many experimental treatments offered to victims, from the hard-to-get-hold-of ‘powdered unicorn horn’ to various herbs and potions. University PhD student, Beth Levick will bring things into the 21st century with a discussion around her research into modern-day plague. And you can even have your face made up by the in-house ‘plague face painter’.
It’s an Experimental Extravaganza of Art and Science in Liverpool Guild of Students; with retro computer games on offer on the LED coffee table designed and built by University students; liquid nitrogen powered ice cream making; dance, drama and music displays and even some robots waiting to be programmed by visitors.
Professor Dinah Birch, University Pro-VC for Research and Impact said: “Light Night is a wonderful city-wide event, providing us with the opportunity to share the excitement of our research with the people of Liverpool.
“I’m particularly looking forward to opening the doors of the University, Guild and VG&M to give people the chance to see all the wonderful collections in our museums and galleries for themselves.”
Light Night takes place on the Friday May 13. To find out more about all the activities on offer around the University of Liverpool campus, Brownlow Hill, please visit https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/lightnight/
