Please do touch!
- Published:
- 02 December 2024
Through touch we explore our surroundings. In fact, touch is our very first sense to develop. Touch is important for our wellbeing and is associated with emotions and memories. The Room of Discovery at A la Ronde is designed to be touched, so what benefit could a space like this have on the people who visit?
Touch is integral to the human experience. It helps our brains to develop and make connections to the world around us. Lack of opportunities to touch can be a barrier to people visiting a historic house. Full of delicate and unique objects, touch is often not offered to as a way to explore. Objects behind ropes, signs and glass cases are an indication that we should only observe.
Entering the Room of Discovery offers a new multi-sensory experience at A la Ronde. Created by Monica Shanta, featuring watercolours by Clare Jenkinson, the room is not only overwhelmingly beautiful to look at, but it is also designed to be touched. It is a space that recognises touch as an instinctive and satisfying way in which we experience our surroundings.
‘…a beautiful celebration of the shell gallery, fabulous experience for all to see, touch and ‘feel the room’’
Feedback from a visitor
As more people explore the space, we are fascinated to see the impact on their visit. Will people leave A la Ronde with a greater sense of connection to the place because of the Room of Discovery? Are they more likely to remember their visit because touch is related to memory making and emotion?
We want to understand whether it is enough to be invited to touch the shells lining the walls or if there more we could do. Will people feel they can touch an artwork? Is it confusing that this space encourages touch when others don’t? These are all questions we will pose and reflect on.
You can let us know about your experience at A la Ronde by speaking to our staff and volunteers, filing out a feedback form or getting in touch with the team via the contact details on the website.
The Compendium
The Compendium is a collection of stories to delight and surprise. You can explore all things A la Ronde here in one central place for the first time. We will be adding new stories for years to come.
The Room of Discovery: 'An inspiring work of art'
After 18 months of careful planning and preparation, A la Ronde’s new immersive space – the ‘Room of Discovery’ - is now open.
Our Project - A la Ronde: Conserving the Past, Creating the Future
In 2022 we embarked on a major project to transform A la Ronde’s offer for our visitors, volunteers, and local community.
Minerals and Rocks in the Cabinet of Curiosities
Learn more about the collection of minerals and rocks in the Cabinet of Curiosity at A la Ronde, Devon.