Lives
“The front door key is exactly what you would expect a museum front door key to look like – it’s huge”
Louise tunnard, communications officer at The Salisbury Museum, talks glorious walks, winning spreadsheets and growing avocados The alarm goes off at 6am with a blast of ‘Brown Sugar’ from the Rolling Stones. As I’m ‘tea fairy’ in our house, I’m in charge of preparing the first cup of the day. This involves teapot and tea leaves, and while the tea is brewing, a bit of quiet time to think about the day ahead. We are currently trying to grow an avocado plant from an avocado stone on the kitchen windowsill, so I like to check how it’s doing. Apparently I’m going to have to wait about 15 years for a fruit to appear! An everyday breakfast is yoghurt or granola, while I dream about scrambled eggs on toast. My journey to work is something I’m eternally thankful for, as it involves walking across the Market Square in Salisbury and then through Cathedral Close to the museum. The
Cathedral building is different every day, as the light and weather changes through the seasons. I am usually one of the first to arrive and so unlocking the building is a big part of the way the working day begins. The Salisbury Museum is in The King’s House, a beautiful Grade I listed medieval building. It has been extended over the years, and the different parts have different personalities. It’s such a privilege to know it so well and to be part of its ongoing history. I also love the selection of keys that we get to use. The front door key in particular is exactly what you would expect a museum front door key to look like – it’s huge. At the moment, we are busy preparing for our Festival of Archaeology over the weekend of 13 and 14 July. This is where
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One of the best things about my job is the chance to constantly be creative – whether it’s writing copy, creating social media content, taking photographs, or finding fascinating people to talk as part of our events programme. If I can, I will take a quick walk around Cathedral Close at lunchtime and get some fresh air. It’s more likely that I will be at my desk, trying desperately to get through all my emails. Afternoons are probably my favourite time of day – this is
usually when I write the best copy, create the best spreadsheets or do my best planning. The best bit about getting home in the evening is time to catch up with my husband. He is a typographer and craftsman designer based in Salisbury. Our working lives are chalk and cheese, so I bring the world to him and he brings art to me. I am probably one of the worst cooks ever – I can do the least damage opening a packet. My husband, on the other hand, is a fantastic cook. He cooks, I set the table – it works brilliantly. Date night out would definitely involve pizza, and there are some great pizza restaurants in Salisbury. Cinderella time is probably around 10pm. Although we live right in the heart of town, it’s very peaceful. I get into bed, reflect on the day and fall asleep listening to dulcet tones on the radio. n For more: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk
Not a bad place to call work
© ash mills
A day in the life of…
the museum and its grounds turn into a showground of archaeology and living history. We have an incredible line up of speakers this year too, like Ella Al-Shamahi, Mary-Ann Ochota and Richard Osgood. I am also finalising our supporting events programme for the autumn. We have the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize exhibition opening in October, (formerly the Jerwood Drawing Prize).