The Secret Life of Lichens

Exhibition Brochure

Photograph by Jeremy Gray

British Lichen Society

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CONTENTS

Introduction .................................................................................................................3 Theme ............................................................................................................................3 Objectives .....................................................................................................................3 Target audience ...........................................................................................................4 Static display items .....................................................................................................4 Items for display cases...............................................................................................4 Educational and interactive items............................................................................5 Sales items....................................................................................................................6 Exhibition parts............................................................................................................6 Size of exhibition .........................................................................................................9 Items not provided......................................................................................................9 Costs ..............................................................................................................................9 Other requirements.....................................................................................................9 Enquiries .......................................................................................................................9 Acknowledgements .....................................................................................................9 Comments from the public ......................................................................................10 Media exposure..........................................................................................................11 Visitor numbers..........................................................................................................15

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Introduction

The exhibition invites visitors to enjoy and appreciate the secret world of lichens, how they survive and reproduce and their many forms and colours. The benefits of lichens for mankind are explored including: potential cures for cancer, indicators of habitat and air quality, delicacy and survival food, perfume, dyes and space exploration.

We hope visitors will go away from this exhibition having been given an insight into a world which was hitherto unknown or unappreciated.

Theme

The beautiful world of lichens: their forms, colours and uses: past, present and future.

Objectives

• To introduce people to the world of lichens and lichenology. • To provide an opportunity for people to view and study lichens. • To provide a stage for lichen photography and art from some of the best

lichenologists and botanical artists in Britain. • To provide opportunities for people to access the biological science of

lichenology. • To gain media coverage for this little known group of organisms and the people

who study them. • To provide retail and merchandising opportunities.

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Target audience

• From the age of 12 years. • Interactives within the exhibition are suitable for younger audiences. • Young people and adults with an interest in botanical science and the natural

environment. • Those interested in environmental issues. • People with an interest in botanical photography and art. • Visitors to countryside and heritage venues.

The Secret Life of Lichens is a fully interactive exhibition featuring

Static Display Items

• 24 visual banners with photography from many of Britain’s leading lichenologists and botanical artists, including pictures from: Antarctica, African deserts, Tropical rain forests; some of Britain’s finest natural and unnatural habitats.

• A giant 3D lichen model showing the physiology of a lichen including reproductive structures and a cross section showing the algae and fungal filaments.

Items for display cases

• Lichen products ranging from: homeopathic remedies, cough pastels, skin creams, cellulite soap!, puppy shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, Chinese snow tea, aftershave, deodorant and packets of edible lichens.

• Lichen forms: including leafy (foliose) crusty (crustose), powdery (leprose), shrubby (fruticose), filamentous, and mushroom forms.

• Lichens on rocks: showing lichens on different rock types including sandstone, concrete, basalt, schist and granite.

• Field kit of a modern lichenologist. • British Lichen Society and shop merchandise.

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Educational and interactive items

1. Educational leaflets provided by the British Lichen Society and British Natural History Museum (London) that go with many of the panels including: Lichens on man made surfaces; Lichens in churchyards; Silent witnesses to air pollution and ‘What do you know about lichens?’

2. Wall mounted lichudo puzzle: A challenging game to line up the different magnetic lichen pictures with out repeating them.

3. Two sets of revolving cubes encased in fine elm plinths. Each set contains three cubes on different aspects of lichenology including: two zoom in pictures of rock and tree lichens; medieval medicine with lichens; lichens and animals; lichen art and lichen forms.

4. A ‘Make your own lichen cube’ activity – a miniature version of the larger displays.

5. Headless interactive: Step back in history and get your photo taken with the famous Scottish Lichenologist William Lauder Lindsay from the 1850’s. This is a finely painted picture of Lauder Lindsay at work in a fabulous garden setting with a modern day lichenologist (with cut out head) allowing you to enter the scene.

6. High quality binocular microscopes to give you a brilliant ten times magnification of a wide variety of named and mounted lichens, together with a picture lichen guide book of British and Irish lichens.

7. A quiz to test your memory of the many different and interesting things you have learned.

Lichen workshops can be run throughout the duration of the exhibition as an optional extra. The workshops will allow people to study lichens in the field and in the lab and can include the use of microscopes. Short filed visits and/or lichen trails can be set up locally. These workshops can be aimed at environmental professionals or the general public and were successfully piloted during the initial showing of the exhibition by John Douglass. They include a powerpoint presentation on lichens, a field visit and a microscopic study using dissecting and compound microscopes, together with the use of lichen keys.

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Sales items available direct from suppliers

• British Lichen Society merchandise case: Sweatshirts, T-shirts and jumpers, ties, mugs, postcards and hand lenses. Available from: Brian Green, 3 Tyn y Coed, Carneddi, Bethseda, Gwynedd, LL57 3SF, UK. E-mail brian@regreen.co.uk

• ‘Lichen images’ DVD by Paul Gillard (in preparation).

Publications

• Scottish Natural Heritage Lichens book £4.95 R.R.P. Available from: SNH, Design & Publications, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW. pubs@snh.gov.uk

• Lichens (Shire Natural History) £2.95 R.R.P. Available from: Shire Publications, Cromwell House, Church Street, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9AA. Tel: 01844 344301. E-mail: shire@shirebooks.co.uk

• Laminated lichen keys: Lichens on Twigs; Guide to Common Urban Lichens 1 (on Trees and Wood); Guide to Common Urban Lichens 2 (on Stone & Soil); Common Churchyard Lichens; Lichens on Rocky Shores; Lichens & Pollution. £2.50 each R.R.P. Available from: Field Studies Council Publications, Preston Montford, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 1HW. Tel: 0845 345 4072. E-mail publications@field-studies-council.org

• Leaflets Available: ‘Silent witnesses to air pollution’ and ‘What do you know about lichens?’ available from Dr Scott LaGreca, Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. Tel: 020 7942 5250. E-mail: s.lagreca@nhm.ac.uk. ‘Lichens on man made surfaces’ & ‘Lichens in churchyards’ photocopy from master (provided).

QUANTITY EXHIBITION PARTS SIZE

24 Banners in exhibition order: (H) 2m 47cm (W) 1m 20cm

Secret Life of Lichens Introduction Lichens, Mosses, Liverworts & Fungi Lichen Types & Forms Lichen Reproduction & Dispersal Lichen Evolution Rocking Lichens Lichens & Animals Tree Huggers Tropical Forest Lichen, Under Threat Mountains, Coasts & Rivers Lichen as Pollution Monitors City Slickers Lichens after Death Lichenology – a Brief History From Survival to Soap

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QUANTITY EXHIBITION PARTS SIZE

What’s in a Lichen Medicines, Myths & Potions Dyeing with Lichens Lichens in Poetry & Pictures (two banners) Lichens in Space Acknowledgements The British Lichen Society

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3D Model of a Lichen (must be displayed in a case).

(H) 34cm, (W) 61cm, (L)121cm

2 Revolving cubes in Elm plinths (3 Cubes per set) (Weight: 5 stones each).

(H) 1m 14cm, (W) 83cm, (D) 50 cm

5 Case display collections: (Cases not provided)

Lichen forms (H) 45cm, (W) 59cm,

(D) 54cm

Lichens on rocks (H) 45cm, (W) 59cm, (D) 54cm

Lichen products (H) 55cm, (W) 59cm, (D) 54cm

Lichenologist field kit (H) 1m 26cm, (W) 79cm, (D) 76cm

British Lichen Society and shop merchandise (H) 1m 10cm, (W) 79cm, (D) 76cm

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Headless Interactive' (painted on thin MDF, in two parts – each part (H) 1m 80cm x (w) 1m 22cm)

(H) 1m 80cm, (W) 2m 44cm

1 Framed photograph of 'headless interactive' image' (H) 39cm, (W) 42cm

1 Framed 'Lichens & Air Pollution' Poster (H) 66cm, (W) 86cm 1 Framed 'Lichens on Rocky Seashores' Poster (H) 66cm, (W) 86cm

1 Wall mounted magnetic ‘Lichudo’ Game with spare pieces (H) 59cm, (W) 84cm

1 Framed set of lichen stamps (H) 44cm, (W) 34cm 2 Framed drawings of lichens by Judy Spark (H) 47cm, (W) 35cm Interactive microscope set up:

2 Heavy duty trestle tables (H) 74cm, (W) 80cm, (D) 76cm

4 Microscopes with lights and switches (H) 27cm, (W) 19cm, (D) 30cm

2 Specimen Boxes (H) 4cm, (W) 36cm, (L) 60cm

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QUANTITY EXHIBITION PARTS SIZE

1 CD with DIY cubes, comments book sheets, Quiz sheets and signage.

1 DVD ‘Lichens in Motion’ to be played in gallery with exhibition. (TV and DVD player not provided).

1 DVD ‘Lichen images’ by Paul Gillard (in prep.) 14 Books for desk display and reference:

Lichens of North America by Irwin M. Brodo, Sylvia Duran Sharnoff and Stephen Sharnoff

Oxford Book of Flowerless Plants by F. H. Brightman and B. E. Nicholson

Shetland Lichens by Kery and Claire Dalby The Lichen Hunters’ by Oliver Gilbert

Pollution Monitoring with Lichens’ by D. H. S. Richardson.

The Lichen Flora of Cheshire & Wirral by B.W. Fox & J. Guest.

Lichens, Naturally Scottish, SNH Publication, Oliver Gilbert.

Guide des lichens, Pascale Tievant.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee Cladonia: a field guide’ by N.G. Hodgetts

The Vanishing Lichens by David Richardson Shire Nature History Lichens by Jack R. Laundon Lichen Flora in Brecknock by Ray Woods Understanding Lichens by George Baron Summerfield Books Sales Brochure

QUANTITY SET DESIGN ITEMS SIZE

1 Coastal rock display (Weight: 1.5 stones) (H) 65cm, (W) 1m 23cm, (D) 85cm

1 Headstone display (H) 61cm (W) 50cm, (D) 70cm

1 Cast iron cauldron with Lichen dyed wool samples (weight: 25kg)

(Diameter) 61cm, (H) 52cm

1 Hand made elm comments book (H) 23cm, (W) 65cm 6 D.I.Y. revolving cubes (provided on CD) A4 1 Quiz sheets (provided on CD) A5 3 Road signs with lichen and mosses: Hedge Cutting (H) 36cm, (W) 86cm Men at work (H) 60cm, (W) 69cm No Entry (Diameter) 60cm

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QUANTITY SET DESIGN ITEMS SIZE

14 Foamex exhibition labels: Quiz A3 This Way A3 Lichen Forms A4 Lichen on Rocks A4 Join the Master (H) 15cm, (W) 36cm Microscope Study Area (x 2) A3 Typical cauldron as used in lichen dyeing process A3 Lichenologist field kit A4 British Lichen Society merchandise A4 Small label for ‘Headless Interactive’ image Small label for books Small label for framed lichen stamp collection Small label for framed lichen drawings

Size of exhibition

The full exhibition was initially displayed in a gallery measuring 13m x 14m. However the exhibition can be sized to suit venue.

Items not provided

TV and DVD player; Desk and Chair; Display cases; Background music; Set dressing including: rocks, tree branches and logs.

Costs

Standard 6 week fee of £1000 plus £600 for each additional month beyond 3 months, as follows: 6 weeks 3 months 4months 6 months Standard Price: £1000 £2000 £2600 £3800

Other requirements

The hirer shall be responsible for the insurance to the replacement value of the exhibition, adequate security and staff presence and onward transport.

Enquiries

Linda Barrett, Exhibitions Officer, Low Parks Museum, Hamilton,ML3 6BJ. Tel: 01698 328405 or 01698 328 232 Email; linda.barrett@southlanarkshire.gsx.gov.uk Acknowledgements: This exhibition was initiated and partly designed by: John Douglass a Lichenologist and Countryside Ranger for South Lanarkshire Council (SLC), together with the SLC Countryside Ranger team: Alan Bannister, Ann McKillop, Mike Brady and Heather Macleod and SLC Exhibitions Officer Linda Barrett.

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A selection of comments from the public

It was very interesting, the quiz was fun, the music great, the microscopes are fab and the games are brill, Motherwell. It was good, I never knew what a lichen was but I do now, Wishaw. A very interesting exhibition, so glad we came, Warwick. It was amazing, I liked the science, Stoke. Fantastic hands on for kids especially microscopes. Very cool I can’t wait to tell my geography teacher, I liked the lichen grave, age 11. Ireland. We thought it was very interesting – very zen. Donaghadee I had a lot of fun. Age 3, Lanark Great to see the world of lichens shown so clearly and colourfully. Great exhibition! Well done! Glasgow. Absolutely superb exhibition – A tremendous credit to all involved, fantastic work, Glasgow. Interesting exhibit/very important to the development of biodiversity knowledge, Gloucester, MA, USA. Stunning exhibit – really first class. Well done, Edinburgh. This exhibition is full of ideas & a great inspiration at all levels – thanks, Nettlecombe, Somerset. It must be difficult to make lichens both interesting and beautiful for the lay public but this exhibition does so. Motherwell. Frankly outstanding. London. Marvellous – very good work to make us understand more about nature. Lyon, France. I think it was magically good! Laura age 9. Hamilton. Very, very interesting especially the section with the microscopes. Keep up the good work and hopefully many more good exhibitions. Newmains. How lucky we are today to have a place like this for the children (and adults) to learn from. Fairburn North Yorkshire. And I thought I knew a bit about lichens!! – a drop in the bucket. Hamilton. Great fun even for a five year old. Larkhall.

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Media exposure

Poster for first venue at Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton

Guardian Unlimited, John Henley, diary@guardian.co.uk

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Review for the British Lichen Society Bulletin

Sandy Coppins (Lichenologist) July 2006

The Secret Life of Lichens Exhibition This is a fantastic exhibition – make no mistake, this is a real treat. It has all the freshness and enthusiasm of discovery and delight in lichens. There has been nothing like it in the UK since William Lauder Lindsay’s exhibit in Edinburgh in the 1860s. The images are truly stunning and have been brilliantly reproduced on 22 hanging panels depicting different aspects of lichens, lichen habitats and lichenologists. Enormous credit must go to the South Lanarkshire Council design team at Chatelherault, especially Linda Barrett, for bringing out the beauty and wonder of the lichens. As well as providing many of the images himself, John also sourced his images from various other members of the BLS: there are dramatic lichens from China (Anne Allen, Barbara Hilton), lichens from the Namib Desert and Antarctic wastes (Peter Crittenden), Tropical lichens (Pat Wolseley), lichenologists enjoying churchyards (Peder Aspen), Lichen Apprentices at work (Sandy Coppins), and superb shots by Jeremy Gray and several others. Clare Dalby generously allowed John to reproduce some of her exquisite paintings of lichens for the section on Lichens in Art and Poetry. There are show cases of lichen products (medicines and food); cases with lumps of rock of differing geologies with characteristic lichens; a case exhibiting items sold by the British Lichen Society; another case showing what a lichenologist wears and carries as he goes out into the field (including typical John Douglass food – a can of sausages in baked-beans). To appeal to younger visitors (though we had a go too!) are games such as “Lichudo” (variation on sudoku, using lichen portraits mounted onto blocks), a quiz, revolving cubes showing habitat, species, detail of the species and finally microscopic section of the species – brilliant! There is also a stunning giant 3D section of a lichen thallus, showing cortex, medulla and algal layer, fungal hyphae, soredia and isidia. (This model is beautifully made by Annette Townsend, working with Alan Orange at NMW in Cardiff). Surprisingly popular on the opening night was the bench with four microscopes set out, with trays (sub-divided into sections) containing various lichen specimens, plus copies of Dobson. The four microscopes were in constant use, as visitors enjoyed actually handling a “real” lichen, viewing it through dissecting microscopes and leafing through Dobson. My favourite was a large panel, beautifully painted showing the eminent Victorian lichenologist Lauder Lindsay sitting at work in a garden, with a modern-day lichenologist standing beside him, with an open space cut in the panel for the lichenologist’s head. You are invited to put your head into the space, and smile. A truly collaborative affair, one that John Douglass, South Lanarkshire and members of the BLS can feel justifiably proud. Do go and see it !!

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Chatelherault Auto Car Rally Brochure, August, 2006

Hamilton Advertiser Thursday 27th July, 2006

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Strathaven Echoes August 9, 2006

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BBC News online September 18th 2006.

Visitor numbers for the first showing of the exhibition at Chatelherault Country Park, Hamilton, from July 14th - November 27th 2006 were 17,147.