The Icelandic Canadian - 01.06.1984, Side 34

32
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
SUMMER, 1984
carry visitors along a pre-determined route
at a set speed and frequency.
Fun Education
The Coppergate dig attracted enormous
numbers of visitors who were obviously
fascinated by the Vikings and excited by
the discoveries. The new display centre
must, we felt, recreate that excitement and
encourage that interest, not extinguish it by
dreary presentation. There was an impor-
tant story to tell, too, about the positive
side of the Viking contribution to English
history. By presenting this story in an
imaginative new way — light years ahead
of most existing museum displays — we
might have a chance of reaching large
numbers of people.
The vital ingredient of the design is that
people should not only learn a great deal
but also have fun. Once the bank loans
have been repaid the centre will then help
to finance the continuing work of the Trust.
The architects, Robertson Ward Asso-
ciates, and the designers, Yorkshire Com-
munications Group, have therefore had to
perform something of a juggling act. They
had to do three things at once — present the
Viking story in an interesting and exciting
way, maintain complete academic in-
tegrity, and ensure that the project is
financially viable.

V, A *•' ,
A wall made from woven twigs, dated c.900-
950, excavated at 16-22 Coppergate. The scale
is 20 cms.
Magnus Magnusson (centre) receiving the
grant from Michael Montague (left), chairman
of the English Tourist Board.
—Courtesy of the Jorvik Times
Viking Centre, York, England
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