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Teacher Resources

We have a range of resources to support teachers and home educators, from a library of free activity ideas to our remote museum sessions that can hep bring your lessons to life!

Studying local history? Discover incredible objects found around the town with our interactive map, or head to our online catalogue and explore the Ipswich Through Time series!

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Remote Museum Sessions
Downloadable Resources
Online Resources
We’d love to know if you’ve found our downloads helpful and how you’ve used them. If you could spare a few minutes to let us know what you think, we’d appreciate it!
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Remote Museum Sessions

Fantastic Fossils

Come on a deep-sea journey, to explore the world of ancient monsters that roamed the waters of the earth millions of years ago! Watch and work with the videos that accompany this package.

Read More

Prehistoric Adventures

Come with us on a Stone Age journey inspired by the oldest hand tools ever used by man! Handle genuine artefacts and learn how prehistoric people used them.

Read More

Exciting Egyptians

Come with us on a journey to explore the mysteries of Ancient Egypt! Learn about the soul’s journey to the afterlife and discover how long ago this civilisation was – and how long it lasted for!

Read More

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Downloadable Resources

Early Years
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 4
Teachers Notes
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 5

Early Years

Landscape painting of open countryside with golden fields, green trees and a distant windmill beneath a wide sky filled with large, soft clouds.

Constable’s Landscapes Through Play

Ideas and prompts to get creative and investigate the landscapes of John Constable through hands-on play activities. Produced as part of our Constable 250 celebrations.

Download

Key Stage 1

Hands holding an open blank booklet in front of a landscape painting showing a cottage, trees and a river, with textured brushstrokes and muted natural colours.

Zines for Nature Walks

Make a simple folded pocket-sized ‘zine’ to investigate and experience nature at all levels, as inspired by the life and work of John Constable. Produced as part of our Constable 250 celebrations.

Download
Triptych-style image showing three distinct artistic styles. The left panel features prehistoric hand stencils in red and brown pigments on a rock surface, overlapping and varying in intensity. The centre panel depicts a portion of Vincent van Gogh’s *The Starry Night*, with swirling blue and yellow brushstrokes forming a dynamic night sky above a dark village silhouette. The right panel presents a decorative floral pattern in black on a muted orange background, with stylised flowers, leaves, and fruit in an ornate, symmetrical design.

Art in Day

A resource to help you to think back to the art you discovered at Christchurch Mansion during the Art in a Day workshop, and some information about the artist Blanche Vulliamy.

Download
A whimsical illustration depicting a wooden display cabinet titled "The Museum of" with blank spaces to personalise the museum's name and date. Each shelf contains various children's toys, accompanied by thought bubbles prompting reflection on personal significance. The top shelf features a green and yellow toy truck next to a blue elephant plush. The middle shelf displays a colourful toy airplane and a red and blue robot. The bottom shelf houses a brown teddy bear, a multicoloured beach ball, and a set of building blocks. Each object is meant to evoke memories or feelings, making this a creative tool for children to explore and articulate their affections and joys.

Museum Of Me

This resource invites children to create a personal mini-museum display. This activity helps children explore self-expression and the concept of legacy through personal artefacts.

Download
An intricate vintage bingo game card displayed on a wooden surface. The card features a detailed black and white illustration of various scenes, possibly depicting historical or pastoral life, populated with figures in period attire. The numbers 4 through 19 are overlaid on colorful circular backgrounds scattered across the card, adding a playful element to the traditional imagery. The overall design suggests a blend of both functional gaming use and decorative art.

Victorian School Maths

This resource combines historical learning with interactive activities, featuring a Victorian number chart for addition and a “Colour by Multiplication” activity, both designed to make learning math engaging through storytelling and art.

Download
A silhouette of a person taking a photograph with a camera against a sunset backdrop. The sky transitions from deep blue to warm orange near the horizon. Text on the right reads "Photography Skills Composition Challenge" with "Photography Skills" in orange and "Composition Challenge" in large blue letters. In the bottom left corner, a logo with the text "AN EYE FOR LIFE" in red and black, and below it, "Photography by John Ferguson" in black.

Composition Challenge

This resource is designed to enhance photography skills through focused composition techniques. It introduces practical methods to inspire photographers to become more intentional in capturing images.

Download
Scattered Scrabble tiles on a light surface with some letters facing up. Text on the right reads "Fun with Photography A-Z Challenge" with "Fun with Photography" in orange and "A-Z Challenge" in large blue letters. In the bottom right corner, a logo with the text "AN EYE FOR LIFE" in red and black, and below it, "Photography by John Ferguson" in black.

A-Z Challenge

This resource is designed to inspire photographers to capture the world around them by finding objects corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. It includes tips to enhance photographic skills.

 
Download
White daisies casting distinct shadows against a light background. Text above the daisies reads "Catching Shadows" in orange and "Natural Photography" in large blue letters. The "AN EYE FOR LIFE" logo by John Ferguson is in the bottom left corner.

Natural Photography

This educational tool engages users in hands-on learning while exploring the intersection of nature and photography. It educates participants on the chemical properties of natural dyes and historical techniques of image making.

 
Download
A camera on a tripod is set up in a professional studio with softbox lights in the background. Text above reads "Photography Skills Portrait Challenge" with "Photography Skills" in orange and "Portrait Challenge" in large blue letters. The "AN EYE FOR LIFE" logo by John Ferguson is in the bottom left corner.

Portrait Challenge

This resource focuses on photography skills, focusing on creating powerful and emotionally engaging portraits. The series teaches critical photographic elements, encouraging photographers to consider all aspects of the environment and subject to capture compelling images.

 
Download

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Key Stage 2

Close-up view of a large pile of oyster shells. The shells overlap one another, showing varied textures and layers in shades of grey, beige, brown and white, filling the entire frame.

Outstanding Oysters

This KS2 video resource explores the Native Oyster, its historical and ecological importance, and ongoing efforts to reintroduce the species. Developed in collaboration with Climate Museums UK, it also offers ideas for incorporating the Native Oyster into lessons.
Watch Here
Landscape painting of open countryside with golden fields, green trees and a distant windmill beneath a wide sky filled with large, soft clouds.

Constable 250 Landscape Bank

Here you will find a selection of images from the exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, to use a stimulus material using the life and work of John Constable as a starting point for learning.

Download (PPTX)
Download (PDF)
Portrait painting of a seated older woman in a bonnet and high-collared dress, rendered in soft tones with a warm brown background. The figure faces forward, with delicate detailing in the lace and fabric of the clothing.

Constable 250 Portrait Bank

Here you will find a selection of images from the exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, to use a stimulus material using the life and work of John Constable as a starting point for learning.

Download (PPTX)
Download (PDF)
Landscape painting of a river flowing through a rural village, with cottages on the left and tall green trees lining both banks. A small figure stands in a boat on the water, while another sits on a brick wall at the right. The scene is set under a wide sky filled with soft, layered clouds.

Constable: A Life in Nature

A collection of activities and prompts linking Constable’s art to science, looking closely at landscapes from the micro to the macro, with hands-on creative tasks to try.

Download
Hands holding an open blank booklet in front of a landscape painting showing a cottage, trees and a river, with textured brushstrokes and muted natural colours.

Zines for Nature Walks

Make a simple folded pocket-sized ‘zine’ to investigate and experience nature at all levels, as inspired by the life and work of John Constable. Produced as part of our Constable 250 celebrations.

Download
Close-up of a pile of cream-coloured envelopes scattered across a wooden table, many sealed with red wax stamps, with a brass telescope lying behind them in warm sunlight.

Regency Letter Writing

Explore creative prompts inspired by John Constable’s life and work and return to the pastime of letter writing in the Regency style, practising the art of thoughtful correspondence, careful folding, and wax sealing. Produced as part of our Constable 250 celebrations.
Download
Triptych-style image showing three distinct artistic styles. The left panel features prehistoric hand stencils in red and brown pigments on a rock surface, overlapping and varying in intensity. The centre panel depicts a portion of Vincent van Gogh’s *The Starry Night*, with swirling blue and yellow brushstrokes forming a dynamic night sky above a dark village silhouette. The right panel presents a decorative floral pattern in black on a muted orange background, with stylised flowers, leaves, and fruit in an ornate, symmetrical design.

Art in Day

A resource to help you to think back to the art you discovered at Christchurch Mansion during the Art in a Day workshop, and some information about the artist Blanche Vulliamy.

Download
A whimsical illustration depicting a wooden display cabinet titled "The Museum of" with blank spaces to personalise the museum's name and date. Each shelf contains various children's toys, accompanied by thought bubbles prompting reflection on personal significance. The top shelf features a green and yellow toy truck next to a blue elephant plush. The middle shelf displays a colourful toy airplane and a red and blue robot. The bottom shelf houses a brown teddy bear, a multicoloured beach ball, and a set of building blocks. Each object is meant to evoke memories or feelings, making this a creative tool for children to explore and articulate their affections and joys.

Museum Of Me

This resource invites children to create a personal mini-museum display. This activity helps children explore self-expression and the concept of legacy through personal artefacts.

Download
An intricate vintage bingo game card displayed on a wooden surface. The card features a detailed black and white illustration of various scenes, possibly depicting historical or pastoral life, populated with figures in period attire. The numbers 4 through 19 are overlaid on colorful circular backgrounds scattered across the card, adding a playful element to the traditional imagery. The overall design suggests a blend of both functional gaming use and decorative art.

Victorian School Maths

This resource combines historical learning with interactive activities, featuring a Victorian number chart for addition and a “Colour by Multiplication” activity, both designed to make learning math engaging through storytelling and art.

Download
A rustic and atmospheric kitchen within a historic building, featuring exposed brick walls and a large, open fireplace where a fish hangs on a hook above a smouldering fire. The room is furnished with heavy wooden tables and a variety of chairs, complemented by a dark wooden sideboard displaying an array of pewter dishes and utensils. The ceiling showcases dark wooden beams, and the stone flooring enhances the old-world charm. A large window floods the space with natural light, highlighting the antique kitchenware arranged decoratively along the walls.

Design Thinking: Victorian Kitchen Treasures

A step-by-step exploration of Victorian kitchen gadgets. Examining an object and progress through a series of design thinking questions. This will enhance understanding by engaging in a creative challenge to design their own object.

Download
On the left, a bearded man dressed as a medieval warrior wears a metal helmet with cheek guards, holding a long spear decorated with colourful braided tassels. In the background is an outdoor setting with trees. To the right is a thatched-roof building made of wooden planks, resembling an ancient or medieval dwelling. In the bottom left corner, a circular inset shows a step-by-step process of recreating a decorative shield or medallion, starting from a design sketch to the final embossed, gold-coloured piece with red accents.

Anglo Saxon Top Ten Treasures

There’s more to Anglo-Saxons that Sutton Hoo! Explore a selection of amazing artefacts found in the Ipswich area which will be on display at the newly redeveloped Ipswich Museum.

Download
Promotional graphic titled “TOP TEN Treasures of the Ancient Egyptians – Star objects at Ipswich Museum.” The design features bold, stylised text over a textured background resembling aged papyrus or stone. Decorative elements evoke ancient Egyptian motifs, enhancing the historical theme.

Top 10 Treasures of the Ancient Egyptians

This contains ideas, thoughts and questions to help you better understand each object.​ Explore a selection of amazing artefacts from Ancient Egypt which will be on display at the newly redeveloped Ipswich Museum.

Download
Gold-painted Egyptian sarcophagus with stylised eyes and decorative hieroglyphic details on a dark background, with the text “Ancient Egypt Reinterpreted”.

Ancient Egypt Reinterpreted

Ancient Egypt resources for lower KS2, including lesson plans, objects and slides for a contemporary half-term unit. Please read the introduction document first.
Download

Ipswich Black History Comic

Designed by comic artist Dan Malone, this specially commissioned piece of comic art tells the story of Ipswich’s Windrush generation and the African and Caribbean contribution to multicultural Ipswich.

Download

Design Your Own Comic

A step-by-step guide to making your own comic. Children start by copying Dan Malone’s comic about Elektroboy and Speedgirl, and develop their skills to create characters, plot and designs as they progress through the guide.

Download
A silhouette of a person taking a photograph with a camera against a sunset backdrop. The sky transitions from deep blue to warm orange near the horizon. Text on the right reads "Photography Skills Composition Challenge" with "Photography Skills" in orange and "Composition Challenge" in large blue letters. In the bottom left corner, a logo with the text "AN EYE FOR LIFE" in red and black, and below it, "Photography by John Ferguson" in black.

Composition Challenge

This resource is designed to enhance photography skills through focused composition techniques. It introduces practical methods to inspire photographers to become more intentional in capturing images.

Download
Scattered Scrabble tiles on a light surface with some letters facing up. Text on the right reads "Fun with Photography A-Z Challenge" with "Fun with Photography" in orange and "A-Z Challenge" in large blue letters. In the bottom right corner, a logo with the text "AN EYE FOR LIFE" in red and black, and below it, "Photography by John Ferguson" in black.

A-Z Challenge

This resource is designed to inspire photographers to capture the world around them by finding objects corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. It includes tips to enhance photographic skills.

 
Download
White daisies casting distinct shadows against a light background. Text above the daisies reads "Catching Shadows" in orange and "Natural Photography" in large blue letters. The "AN EYE FOR LIFE" logo by John Ferguson is in the bottom left corner.

Natural Photography

This educational tool engages users in hands-on learning while exploring the intersection of nature and photography. It educates participants on the chemical properties of natural dyes and historical techniques of image making. 

Download
A camera on a tripod is set up in a professional studio with softbox lights in the background. Text above reads "Photography Skills Portrait Challenge" with "Photography Skills" in orange and "Portrait Challenge" in large blue letters. The "AN EYE FOR LIFE" logo by John Ferguson is in the bottom left corner.

Portrait Challenge

This resource focuses on photography skills, focusing on creating powerful and emotionally engaging portraits. The series teaches critical photographic elements, encouraging photographers to consider all aspects of the environment and subject to capture compelling images.

 
Download
Text-based graphic with a distressed black background and bold white text. The main heading reads “CREATIVE PROMPTS” in large, angular capital letters. Below it, smaller text says “INSPIRED BY 'AN EYE FOR LIFE’ PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN FERGUSON.” At the bottom, in a finer font, it states “CELEBRATING THEMES OF PORTRAITURE, IDENTITY & HOME.” The design evokes a gritty, artistic aesthetic suitable for creative or educational contexts.

Creative Prompts
Inspired by ‘An Eye for Life’

Created by Rock Paper Scissors, this pack includes activities related to observing and drawing, with cross-curricular links to Art and Design, History, and English.

Download

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Key Stage 3

A grassy footpath leading out to a wide, open meadow on a bright spring day. Trees frame the scene, with branches overhead and rolling fields and woodland visible in the distance under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Imagine Futures

This online video resource looks at connecting KS3 students with the natural world and has been developed in collaboration with Climate Museums UK. This can be used to develop lessons which focus on UK Wildlife, Conservation and connecting students with the Natural World at a local level.

Watch Here
Landscape painting of open countryside with golden fields, green trees and a distant windmill beneath a wide sky filled with large, soft clouds.

Constable 250 Landscape Bank

Here you will find a selection of images from the exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, to use a stimulus material using the life and work of John Constable as a starting point for learning.

Download (PPTX)
Download (PDF)
Portrait painting of a seated older woman in a bonnet and high-collared dress, rendered in soft tones with a warm brown background. The figure faces forward, with delicate detailing in the lace and fabric of the clothing.

Constable 250 Portrait Bank

Here you will find a selection of images from the exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, to use a stimulus material using the life and work of John Constable as a starting point for learning.

Download (PPTX)
Download (PDF)
Landscape painting of a river flowing through a rural village, with cottages on the left and tall green trees lining both banks. A small figure stands in a boat on the water, while another sits on a brick wall at the right. The scene is set under a wide sky filled with soft, layered clouds.

Constable: A Life in Nature

A collection of activities and prompts linking Constable’s art to science, looking closely at landscapes from the micro to the macro, with hands-on creative tasks to try.

Download
Hands holding an open blank booklet in front of a landscape painting showing a cottage, trees and a river, with textured brushstrokes and muted natural colours.

Zines for Nature Walks

Make a simple folded pocket-sized ‘zine’ to investigate and experience nature at all levels, as inspired by the life and work of John Constable. Produced as part of our Constable 250 celebrations.

Download
Close-up of a pile of cream-coloured envelopes scattered across a wooden table, many sealed with red wax stamps, with a brass telescope lying behind them in warm sunlight.

Regency Letter Writing

Explore creative prompts inspired by John Constable’s life and work and return to the pastime of letter writing in the Regency style, practising the art of thoughtful correspondence, careful folding, and wax sealing. Produced as part of our Constable 250 celebrations.
Download
A whimsical illustration depicting a wooden display cabinet titled "The Museum of" with blank spaces to personalise the museum's name and date. Each shelf contains various children's toys, accompanied by thought bubbles prompting reflection on personal significance. The top shelf features a green and yellow toy truck next to a blue elephant plush. The middle shelf displays a colourful toy airplane and a red and blue robot. The bottom shelf houses a brown teddy bear, a multicoloured beach ball, and a set of building blocks. Each object is meant to evoke memories or feelings, making this a creative tool for children to explore and articulate their affections and joys.

Museum Of Me

This resource invites children to create a personal mini-museum display. This activity helps children explore self-expression and the concept of legacy through personal artefacts.

Download
A portrait of a young woman from the 19th century, rendered in oil paint. She has fair skin and wears her dark hair styled in an elegant updo, adorned with a wreath of delicate white flowers. Her attire includes a white veil that drapes softly over her hair and a necklace of intricate beads visible at her neck. Her expression is gentle and contemplative, with her gaze directed slightly away from the viewer. The background is a muted green, focusing attention on her subtle features and the details of her floral headdress.

Victorians In Art

This resource enhances visual literacy and critical thinking by analysing Victorian-era paintings at Christchurch Mansion, focusing on composition, symbolism, and emotional responses.

Download
A rustic and atmospheric kitchen within a historic building, featuring exposed brick walls and a large, open fireplace where a fish hangs on a hook above a smouldering fire. The room is furnished with heavy wooden tables and a variety of chairs, complemented by a dark wooden sideboard displaying an array of pewter dishes and utensils. The ceiling showcases dark wooden beams, and the stone flooring enhances the old-world charm. A large window floods the space with natural light, highlighting the antique kitchenware arranged decoratively along the walls.

Design Thinking: Victorian Kitchen Treasures

A step-by-step exploration of Victorian kitchen gadgets. Examining an object and progress through a series of design thinking questions. This will enhance understanding by engaging in a creative challenge to design their own object.

Download
Purple "COLOUR," pink "SHAPE," and red "PATTERN" are displayed in bold, uppercase text across a softly blurred background featuring framed artwork or posters mounted on a wall. The vibrant typography contrasts with the muted backdrop, drawing attention to the design elements referenced by the words themselves.

Colour Shape Pattern
Exhibition Pack

Colour Shape Pattern is an exhibition celebrating modernist art, featuring prints and paintings from Ipswich’s collection, loans from the Fitzwilliam Museum, and a new work by Lily Hammond. This resource highlights some of the artists on display and the curator behind many of the acquisitions.

Download
A silhouette of a person taking a photograph with a camera against a sunset backdrop. The sky transitions from deep blue to warm orange near the horizon. Text on the right reads "Photography Skills Composition Challenge" with "Photography Skills" in orange and "Composition Challenge" in large blue letters. In the bottom left corner, a logo with the text "AN EYE FOR LIFE" in red and black, and below it, "Photography by John Ferguson" in black.

Composition Challenge

This resource is designed to enhance photography skills through focused composition techniques. It introduces practical methods to inspire photographers to become more intentional in capturing images.

Download
Scattered Scrabble tiles on a light surface with some letters facing up. Text on the right reads "Fun with Photography A-Z Challenge" with "Fun with Photography" in orange and "A-Z Challenge" in large blue letters. In the bottom right corner, a logo with the text "AN EYE FOR LIFE" in red and black, and below it, "Photography by John Ferguson" in black.

A-Z Challenge

This resource is designed to inspire photographers to capture the world around them by finding objects corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. It includes tips to enhance photographic skills.

 
Download
White daisies casting distinct shadows against a light background. Text above the daisies reads "Catching Shadows" in orange and "Natural Photography" in large blue letters. The "AN EYE FOR LIFE" logo by John Ferguson is in the bottom left corner.

Natural Photography

This educational tool engages users in hands-on learning while exploring the intersection of nature and photography. It educates participants on the chemical properties of natural dyes and historical techniques of image making.

 
Download
A camera on a tripod is set up in a professional studio with softbox lights in the background. Text above reads "Photography Skills Portrait Challenge" with "Photography Skills" in orange and "Portrait Challenge" in large blue letters. The "AN EYE FOR LIFE" logo by John Ferguson is in the bottom left corner.

Portrait Challenge

This resource focuses on photography skills, focusing on creating powerful and emotionally engaging portraits. The series teaches critical photographic elements, encouraging photographers to consider all aspects of the environment and subject to capture compelling images.

 
Download

Return to Top

Key Stage 4

Landscape painting of open countryside with golden fields, green trees and a distant windmill beneath a wide sky filled with large, soft clouds.

Constable 250 Landscape Bank

Here you will find a selection of images from the exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, to use a stimulus material using the life and work of John Constable as a starting point for learning.

Download (PPTX)
Download (PDF)
Portrait painting of a seated older woman in a bonnet and high-collared dress, rendered in soft tones with a warm brown background. The figure faces forward, with delicate detailing in the lace and fabric of the clothing.

Constable 250 Portrait Bank

Here you will find a selection of images from the exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, to use a stimulus material using the life and work of John Constable as a starting point for learning.

Download (PPTX)
Download (PDF)
Landscape painting of a river flowing through a rural village, with cottages on the left and tall green trees lining both banks. A small figure stands in a boat on the water, while another sits on a brick wall at the right. The scene is set under a wide sky filled with soft, layered clouds.

Constable: A Life in Nature

A collection of activities and prompts linking Constable’s art to science, looking closely at landscapes from the micro to the macro, with hands-on creative tasks to try.

Download
Hands holding an open blank booklet in front of a landscape painting showing a cottage, trees and a river, with textured brushstrokes and muted natural colours.

Zines for Nature Walks

Make a simple folded pocket-sized ‘zine’ to investigate and experience nature at all levels, as inspired by the life and work of John Constable. Produced as part of our Constable 250 celebrations.

Download
Close-up of a pile of cream-coloured envelopes scattered across a wooden table, many sealed with red wax stamps, with a brass telescope lying behind them in warm sunlight.

Regency Letter Writing

Explore creative prompts inspired by John Constable’s life and work and return to the pastime of letter writing in the Regency style, practising the art of thoughtful correspondence, careful folding, and wax sealing. Produced as part of our Constable 250 celebrations.
Download
Purple "COLOUR," pink "SHAPE," and red "PATTERN" are displayed in bold, uppercase text across a softly blurred background featuring framed artwork or posters mounted on a wall. The vibrant typography contrasts with the muted backdrop, drawing attention to the design elements referenced by the words themselves.

Colour Shape Pattern
Exhibition Pack

This resource introduces key contemporary artists and artworks from the “Colour Shape Pattern” exhibition, with background, techniques, and creative prompts for students. Perfect for exploring modern art and inspiring classroom activities.

Download
A collage of five photographs displayed within a film strip frame, laid out on a wooden surface. Top left: An elderly man in a blue suit stands against a blackboard with mathematical notations, accompanied by two young children in school uniforms, in a classroom with brick walls. Top right: A woman with blonde hair sits in a car at night, illuminated by streetlights, wearing a dark jacket and looking out the window. Bottom left: A woman wearing a striped shirt and holding a camera stands near a body of water with a bridge in the background. Bottom center: A man dressed as a cowboy, with a wide-brimmed hat, stands beside a horse saddle near a calm body of water, set in a grassy landscape under a clear sky. Bottom right: A man mid-jump performs a ballet pose in an urban setting, with a modern building and trees in the background.

John Ferguson Exhibition Pack

Information about images from the exhibition, An Eye for Life, aimed at GCSE/A-Level students to support their learning in art and photography courses and anyone else interested in photography as a medium.

Download PDF
Download Photos

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Key Stage 5

Landscape painting of open countryside with golden fields, green trees and a distant windmill beneath a wide sky filled with large, soft clouds.

Constable 250 Landscape Bank

Here you will find a selection of images from the exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, to use a stimulus material using the life and work of John Constable as a starting point for learning.

Download (PPTX)
Download (PDF)
Portrait painting of a seated older woman in a bonnet and high-collared dress, rendered in soft tones with a warm brown background. The figure faces forward, with delicate detailing in the lace and fabric of the clothing.

Constable 250 Portrait Bank

Here you will find a selection of images from the exhibition at Christchurch Mansion, to use a stimulus material using the life and work of John Constable as a starting point for learning.

Download (PPTX)
Download (PDF)
Hands holding an open blank booklet in front of a landscape painting showing a cottage, trees and a river, with textured brushstrokes and muted natural colours.

Zines for Nature Walks

Make a simple folded pocket-sized ‘zine’ to investigate and experience nature at all levels, as inspired by the life and work of John Constable. Produced as part of our Constable 250 celebrations.

Download
A collage of five photographs displayed within a film strip frame, laid out on a wooden surface. Top left: An elderly man in a blue suit stands against a blackboard with mathematical notations, accompanied by two young children in school uniforms, in a classroom with brick walls. Top right: A woman with blonde hair sits in a car at night, illuminated by streetlights, wearing a dark jacket and looking out the window. Bottom left: A woman wearing a striped shirt and holding a camera stands near a body of water with a bridge in the background. Bottom center: A man dressed as a cowboy, with a wide-brimmed hat, stands beside a horse saddle near a calm body of water, set in a grassy landscape under a clear sky. Bottom right: A man mid-jump performs a ballet pose in an urban setting, with a modern building and trees in the background.

John Ferguson Exhibition Pack

Information about images from the exhibition, An Eye for Life, aimed at GCSE/A-Level students to support their learning in art and photography courses and anyone else interested in photography as a medium.

Download PDF
Download Photos

Return to Top

Teachers’ Notes

A dark, atmospheric painting shows a night scene with two bright searchlights crossing the sky, creating beams of light. The landscape below is shrouded in darkness, with faintly visible trees and a few dimly lit structures. A lone street lamp emits a soft glow, providing a small point of light amidst the gloom. The scene evokes a sense of tension and vigilance, characteristic of World War I night-time operations.

Blanche Vulliamy

Did you know that this noted ceramicist went out at night to draw the searchlights during the First World War?

Download
A woman with dark, voluminous hair and a serious expression is superimposed over a painting of a factory interior. The painting depicts a scene of intense activity, with flames and smoke suggesting a fire or industrial process. Workers are silhouetted against the blaze, adding a dramatic contrast to the otherwise dimly lit, industrial setting. The woman's photograph appears to be from an earlier era, contrasting sharply with the chaotic background.

Anna Airy: War Artist

Anna Airy was an English oil painter, pastel artist and etcher. She is recognised as one of the leading female artists of her generation – and was one of the first women to be officially commissioned as a war artist in 1918.

Download
Formal portrait of a man standing against a tropical coastal backdrop. He has short, dark curly hair and sideburns, and is dressed in early 19th-century attire: a dark double-breasted coat over a waistcoat, and a high-collared white shirt with a cravat. His expression is composed and thoughtful, with his gaze directed slightly to the left. Behind him, a clear blue sky with scattered clouds stretches over a calm sea, with a pair of palm trees to the right adding a sense of place. The warm-toned foreground suggests a sandy beach or path.

Thomas Birch Freeman

Thomas Birch Freeman was a Victorian Anglo-African Methodist missionary to West Africa, but he also made significant contributions to botany and spent years as head gardener at Orwell Park in Ipswich.

Download
Portrait of an older individual with white hair, dressed in a blue garment and wearing several colourful beaded necklaces. The background is a soft brown tone, lending a subdued contrast to the vivid jewellery. Text at the top reads "chaeologia" and "Vol LX Pl X."

Nina Frances Layard

This teacher pack introduces archaeologist Nina Frances Layard and her groundbreaking work in Ipswich, highlighting her role in advancing women’s contributions to science and local history.

Download
A vintage photograph showing a pilot seated in an early monoplane with large fabric-covered wings and exposed framework. The aircraft is positioned outdoors near a hangar-like building. French text printed above identifies the scene as part of the Blériot aviation school in Pau and refers to a woman aviator flying a Blériot monoplane.

Edith Maud Cook

Edith Maud Cook was born in Street, Ipswich. She went on to become a trailblazing Edwardian dare devil – parachutist, balloonist, and aviator. She is recognized as Britain’s first female pilot.

Download

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Online Resources

Collections Online

 

We hold over 200,000 records of objects, documents, artefacts and specimens: from Natural Science collections spanning millions of years, to a wide range of Social History objects!

Visit The Catalogue

Interactive Map

 

Ever wondered about the history of a particular part of Ipswich? Or what sorts of things have been collected to show the town’s evolution?

Explore our interactive map to reveal where objects was discovered, made or have links to.

Visit The Map

Museum From Home

 

Looking for things to do? We have a variety of activities to help educate and entertain. Inspired by the collections across Colchester and Ipswich, from art to nature, archaeology to social history, we hope to bring the museum to you!

You can follow us on social media for all the latest ideas, or find our library below.

#MuseumFromHome

Visit The Library

Schools Newsletter

Subscribe

 

Keep up to date with our latest educational offers and projects by subscribing to our schools mailing list. You’ll receive regular emails with the latest news from Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich Museum and Ipswich Art Gallery.

Subscribe

Where will your adventure start?